Jennifer Betit Yen
Actor, "Recovering" Attorney and Author
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Not Waiting On The Mainstream

"We encourage [entertainers] not to wait for 'the mainstream industry' to offer handouts but rather to seize and create their own opportunities."
-Jennifer Betit Yen, actress

Backstage Magazine
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Jennifer Betit Yen to Judge 2023 CUNY Asian American Film Festival

The CUNY Asian American Film Festival (AAFF) has asked Jennifer Betit Yen to return as a judge for their 2023 film festival.  Betit Yen and other distinguished judges will be evaluating the work of filmmakers enrolled at the City University of New York, including City College, Brooklyn College, Hunter College, Lehman College, College of Staten Island, and Queens College. The CUNY AAFF, ongoing annually since 2004, helps to promote the artistic visual talents and stimulate communication among CUNY students who are separated by the different campuses, and serve as a central location to display their creative works. 

March 2023

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Jennifer Betit Yen as Alaska in Makwa Reading in NYC

Johnny Cole's spiritual murder mystery feature, read and workshopped in New York City, enjoyed a talented cast of actors, including Jennifer Betit Yen in the lead role of Alaska.  The script tackled a myriad of complex issues, incorporating nuanced social commentary with gripping suspense.

https://www.prlog.org/12940132.html
https://youtu.be/lNFhzNt2aOI
November 2022

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15th Season of "Film Lab Presents" Hosted by Jennifer Betit Yen

Film Lab Presents returns to CrossingsTV for its 15th season in the fall of 2022, with actor Jennifer Betit Yen hosting.  This season's storyline will focus on mental health awareness.

https://www.prlog.org/12933646-15th-season-of-film-lab-presents-premieres-on-crossingstv.html

October 2022

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Jennifer Betit Yen Co-Produces and Stars in TV Show

Jennifer Betit Yen and production partner, Ray Lanuza, created a made-for-television program using original narratives and multi media story telling.   The show, DiscrimiNATION, premieres on September 18, 2022.  Other talent featured in the show include Keisuke Hoashi (Bob's Burgers), Erin Quill (Flower Drum Song), Tyler Ham Pong (Toddlers and Tiaras), and more.

https://www.prlog.org/12903187-asian-american-film-lab-launches-discrimination-multi-media-project-to-combat-anti-aapi-hate.html
 
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21988262


September 2022

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Arts Alliance Awards Jennifer Betit Yen a What Can We Do? Grant

The Asian American Arts Alliance awarded actor Jennifer Betit Yen, a What Can We Do? Grant. Betit Yen and her production partner, Ray Lanuza, will be using the grant to create a tv project aimed at targeting anti-AAPI bias and racism through building of cross racial coalitions to create unity, strength and empathy.

https://www.aaartsalliance.org/opportunities/what-can-we-do
https://www.aaartsalliance.org/programs/what-can-we-do
August 2022

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Jennifer Betit Yen Talks Arts & Activism at Film Screening

Jennifer Betit Yen, actor and the President of the Film Lab, gave welcoming remarks at an exclusive red carpet film screening event for entertainment industry executives in New York City.  The event was hosted by One United Nation Park in their state of the art theatre, followed by a cocktail reception.  Betit Yen discussed progress on inclusion and parity in TV and film.

https://www.Facebook.com/72HrShootout
July 2022

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Jennifer Betit Yen Gives Welcoming Remarks at Filmmaking Competition Launch

Jennifer Betit Yen, actor and the President of the Film Lab, gave welcoming remarks to the filmmakers of the 2022 72 Hour Shootout at a Launch Party in New York City.  The Film Lab is a not for profit that promotes, exhibits and produces entertainment media amplifying underrepresented stories and people.  It hosts an annual global filmmaking competition - the 72 Hour Shootout - in which filmmakers have 72 hours within which to create films based on a common theme.  The 2022 theme, focusing on mental health awareness and activism in the arts, is JOYFUL RESISTANCE.

https://www.prlog.org/12919405.html
June 2022

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Jennifer Betit Yen Returns as a Judge of the 2022 CUNY Asian American Film Festival

Jennifer Betit Yen will be returning as a judge for the City University of New York's  Annual Asian American Film Festival.  Since 2004, the CUNY Asian American Film Festival (AAFF) has recognized and awarded over $13,500 in cash prizes to student filmmakers enrolled at the City University of New York, including City College, Brooklyn College, Hunter College, Lehman College, College of Staten Island, and Queens College. The CUNY AAFF helps to promote the artistic visual talents and stimulate communication among CUNY students who are separated by the different campuses, and serve as a central location to display their creative works.  Betit Yen is an actor and the President of the Asian American Film Lab, a not for profit that promotes, exhibits and produces entertainment media amplifying underrepresented stories and people.

February 2022

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Jennifer Betit Yen and Ray Lanuza Create #DiscrimiNATION Campaign to Combat Racism

Jennifer Betit Yen put her acting and producing skills to use in the fight against discrimination as incidents of anti-AAPI hate and violence skyrocketed across the country.  Working with longtime collaborator, audio engineer Ray Lanuza, and through the Film Lab, she created #DiscrimiNATION, a multimedia project meant to amplify and empower the voices of victims and educate the general public.

January 2022
​https://www.prlog.org/12903187.html

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The Cast of New Amsterdam Episode 11

The series follows Ryan Eggold’s Dr. Max Goodwin with Freeman Agyeman, Janet Montgomery, Jacko Sims, and Tyler Labine as the main ensemble cast. They are joined by Alejandro Hernandez, Em Grosland, Christine Chang, Megan Byrne, Debra Monk, and Frances Turner. Jennifer Betit Yen, Michelle Forbes, and Gina Gershon also star.

​David Schulner created the series. The writer of Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital, Eric Manheimer, is the producer along with Graham Norris, David Declerque, and Mark A Baker.


Gizmo Story, December 14, 2021
https://gizmostory.com/new-amsterdam-new-episode-when-are-new-episodes-returning-why-is-it-delayed/

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Betit Yen Dedicates Film Premiere to Howard Fong

Jennifer Betit Yen dedicated the 2021 72 Hour Shootout: Be A Hero world premiere at the Asian American International Film Festival to Howard Fong.  Mr. Fong, a celebrated actor and writer passed away in 2021.  Mr. Fong was well known for his acting work in many movies and tv shows, including The Joy Luck Club.  His play, Yut Ho, premiered at the David Henry Hwang Playhouse in Los Angeles, starring Betit Yen.  It was directed by Elizabeth Sung.

August 2021
https://hunterword.com/index.php/2021-72-hour-shootout-premiere-dedicated-to-actor-writer-howard-fong-by-greggwmorris/

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Words Matter.  Be a Hero.  The Launch of the 72 Hour Shootout

Jennifer Betit Yen gave welcoming remarks to the filmmakers of the 2021 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition.  The competition's goal is to create, support and promote underrepresented voices in entertainment media and focuses on a different theme each year.  For 2021, Betit Yen challenged filmmakers to address the use of words and how they are used, to consider reframing their own narrative and creating a language of construction and empathy - of "casual kindness" - instead of domination or "casual cruelty."  Listen to the remarks here or watch the entire event here.

June 2021
https://www.prlog.org/12872289.html

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Casting Society of America Roundtable

Jennifer Betit Yen was among the panelists for the Casting Society's of America's spring 2021 series on Deconstructing the Asian Narrative in entertainment media, along with Director Jude Weng, screenwriter Jessica Gao, and actor Jamie Chung.  Moderated by Casting Director Julia Kim.  Their segment begins around the 1:14:50 mark.  https://youtu.be/nFedhj48Km4

Casting Society of America
May 2021

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Betit Yen Interview in Backstage Magazine

"Ahead of the 2021 competition, three of the Shootout’s organizers—Jennifer Betit Yen, [actor and] president of Film Lab, Shing Chung, Shootout’s event coordinator, and Luana Sandoval, social media coordinator—about what it takes to succeed as a filmmaker both within the competition and outside it, why networking really is all it’s cracked up to be, and the importance of getting your story told the way you want to see it."
-Backstage Magazine


May 2021
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/asian-american-film-lab-72-hour-shootout-73262/​

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Betit Yen Cast as Lead in New Perspectives Play Baby Fever

Jennifer Betit Yen has been cast as "Julia" in the play Baby Fever in development at New Perspectives, the women's work full length lab.  The play is written by Alison Lowenstein and the first reading in April will be directed by Melissa Skirboll.

April 2021

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Betit Yen's Entertainment Company Wins Best of Brooklyn 2021

The Brooklyn Award Program selected Betit Yen's entertainment company, the Film Lab (www.film-lab.org), as Winner of the 2021 Best of Brooklyn Awards in the category of Non-Profit Organization.  The Film Lab is an organization dedicated to the promotion and support of racial and gender parity in entertainment media with a focus on Asian Americans.  

March 2021

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Jennifer Betit Yen Selected as Judge by CUNY Asian American Film Festival

Betit Yen will return to judge the 2021 CUNY Asian American Film Festival for the 3rd consecutive year.  The festival, ongoing since 2004, has recognized and awarded tens of thousands of dollars to student filmmakers enrolled at the City University of New York, including City College, Brooklyn College, Hunter College, Lehman College, College of Staten Island, and Queens College. The CUNY AAFF helps to promote the artistic visual talents and stimulate communication among CUNY students who are separated by the different campuses, and serve as a central location to display their creative works. Past participants have also had their films screened at the Asian American International Film Festival.  
On the evening of the Festival, all winners and runner-ups will remain anonymous until after a screening of selected films that have been reviewed by the distinguished panel of judges, including Jennifer Betit Yen. 

Spring 2021

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Cre8sian Project Self Care Series Features Tips from Jennifer Betit Yen

The Cre8sian Project's #SelfCare series featured spring tips from actor Jennifer Betit Yen on helping readers maintain calm and joy in difficult times.  The Self Care series was created by Angela Chan, founder of the Cre8sian project.

March 2021

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Syrn Media CEO Liz Charles Interviews Jennifer Betit Yen

Actor and Film Lab President Jennifer Betit Yen sat down for an interview with Liz Charles, CEO of Syrn Media, to talk about gender, media, race, and why representation matters.

March 2021
https://youtu.be/gGlpPsEsf6c

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Quentasia Studios Podcast on Women in Entertainment Featuring Jennifer Betit Yen

The Quentasia Studios Inc. Podcast tackled issues of gender and race in entertainment media, interviewing actor and Film Lab President Jennifer Betit Yen.  

February 2021
https://fb.watch/3J7u6OC1Cr/
https://youtu.be/zSZjV50E6Uw 

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Jennifer Betit Yen to Appear on HBO Max

Jennifer Betit Yen will be appearing as C. Foley, Gate Agent, on the new HBO Max series, The Flight Attendant.

November / December 2020
https://www.hbomax.com/coming-soon/flight-attendant
https://youtu.be/xIIQ5B8WVpo

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SciFi Film Starring Jennifer Betit Yen to Appear in Horror Festival for Halloween 2020

The scifi film Lifeline starring Jennifer Betit Yen was selected  to stream Halloween weekend 2020 on Twitch as part of the Ill Angels Only International Horror Film Festival.

October  2020
https://m.twitch.tv/ill_angels_only/profile?desktop-redirect=offline_channel

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Jennifer Betit Yen Announces Grand Prize Film Fest Winner

Despite the pandemic, the show must go on!  The Film Lab premiered its 16th annual top ten 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition top ten at the first-ever virtual Asian American Film Festival in New York City October 1-12, 2020.  Jennifer Betit Yen welcomed the audience and announced the Grand Prize winner.

October 2020
-https://youtu.be/HkiY8pCoN3g
-
https://www.aaiff.org/aaiff43/72-hour-shootout-top-ten-selection

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Jennifer Betit Yen Returns to Host Another Season of "Film Lab Presents"

After months of filming in isolation, the cast and crew of the long-running television series Film Lab Presents, returns to air on September 18, 2020, for their 13th season.  The show highlights vignette style comedy and drama that turns stereotypical racial and gender roles upside down.  Jennifer Betit Yen returns to host the show.  

September 2020
-https://youtu.be/3Lzmg7d2qeA
-https://www.prlog.org/12832982-aafl-tv-to-premiere-13th-season-of-film-lab-presents-on-crossings-tv.html

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Jennifer Betit Yen Welcomes Filmmakers to 16th 72 Hour Shootout

On June 4, 2020, Jennifer Betit Yen welcomed filmmakers to the 16th annual 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition.  NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio also welcomed the filmmakers, through an official written statement.  The competition, run by the Film Lab, a company Betit Yen is President of, amplifies underrepresented voices through film.  The company partners with executives at ABC, NBC, CineVision, CrossingsTV, and more.

June 2020
Click on the below hyperlinks for:

Press Release
Welcoming Remarks

https://medium.com/@theWORD_HC/theme-of-the-2020-72-hour-shootout-filmmaking-competition-announced-in-virtual-party-3498619a8171

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Jennifer Betit Yen Emcees Virtually for the Annual AAPI Festival

Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans - CAPA is celebrating and you should join in the fun! Asian American Film Lab is! Online, offline... Jennifer Betit Yen, festival emcee is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with #CAPA! #AAPIheritagemonth2020 #celebratewithCAPA Asian American Film Lab #asianamerican #APAHM #AAPI #apa #diversity #culture #asians #apahm #apaeverywhere #asianamericanheritage

May 2020
https://www.facebook.com/AAPIFest/videos/594144564532156/

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Sci Fi Film, Lifeline, Starring Jennifer Betit Yen, Nominated for Best Cast Ensemble by 2020 End of Days Film Festival

The sci fi thriller, Lifeline, starring Jennifer Betit Yen, is an official selection of the End of Days Film Festival and nominated for Best Cast Ensemble.  The film will be screening (virtually, for safety reasons related to COVID-19) on May 9, 2020.

May 2020
http://endofdaysfilmfestival.com

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AWGC Features Jennifer Betit Yen 


The Asian Women Giving Circle featured Jennifer Betit Yen's acting and production work in using film and TV to combat COVID-19 related racism.

​
May 1, 2020


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The Cr8sian Project Features Jennifer Betit Yen in Amazing Asians in the Arts 

The Cre8sian Project creates and showcases characters who represented strong qualities in women, such as Determination, Concentration, Motivation, and Education, personified in Asian American women superheroes!  The Project also showcases interviews of powerful Asian American women in the arts.  In April 2020 the Project founder interviewed Jennifer Betit Yen.  The full interview is here.

April 4, 2020
https://thecre8sianproject.com/blogs/news/amazing-asians-in-the-arts-jennifer-betit-yen?fbclid=IwAR1XY6zSU6W3jePme_Gpxwp3hRuh4Ocs_F333c1BPzXP-SmMYTNIh_aNjIc
https://thecre8sianproject.com/blogs/news/amazing-asians-in-the-arts-jennifer-betit-yen

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The Word Features Jennifer Betit Yen 

Betit Yen and the non-profit she runs, particularly its annual filmmaking competition, the 72 Hour Shootout, have been featured by journalist Gregg W. Morris in The Word.

April 2, 2020
https://medium.com/@theWORD_HC/72-hour-shoot-out-competition-for-filmmakers-of-kinds-especially-beginners-in-these-pandemic-4985560fa290

http://hunterword.com/index.php/72-shoot-out-competition-1-greggwmorris/

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Jennifer Betit Yen to Produce Series of COVID-19 Related PSAs

Jennifer Betit Yen is set to produce a series of COVID-19 related PSAs through the Film Lab, Inc.  Several shorts are already available on the AAFL TV online channel addressing everything from COVID-19 related racism to hoarding to pets.

April 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EQiqmeGH9Y&list=PL4v82nF3nNtblYMbeKTSndggLdUBEqOTF&index=2

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Jennifer Betit Yen Continues as Nurse Aimee Kamoe in NBC's New Amsterdam

Jennifer Betit Yen recurred as OR Nurse Aimee Kamoe in the second season of the NBC series New Amsterdam.  Due to the current shelter-in-place order in New York, filming on the show is temporarily halted for safety reasons.  Betit Yen most recently appeared in the episode "Liftoff," which aired on St. Patrick's Day, 2020.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0928414/

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Betit Yen to Appear on NYWIFT Panel to Discuss Gender in Media

Jennifer Betit Yen, along with Naomi McDougall Jones, Tanya Perez,  and Jan Eliasberg, will appear on a panel hosted by New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) to take "a brutally honest look at the systemic exclusion of women in film -- an industry with massive cultural influence -- and how, in response, women are making space in cinema for their voices to be heard."

March 2020

https://www.nywift.org/events/#event=3f2172d161de70bcb3725d288e25bc87

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Jennifer Betit Yen in National Ameritrade Commercial



Betit Yen appears in a national commercial for TD Ameritrade also starring Jim Conroy and Keisuke Hoashi.

-2020
https://www.ispot.tv/ad/ZpZ2/td-ameritrade-the-green-room-airport?fbclid=IwAR15FUYSGM4r_FHYxJIawSs70-sOwwMXf_fC__5k8jLq8HcehhwmKiGpMLc

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The TV Pilot Mirror Mirror to Screen at the International Human Rights Festival

The TV pilot, Mirror Mirror, starring Jennifer Betit Yen, will enjoy a special screening at the International Human Rights Festival in New York City on December 14th.  The pilot uses comedy to address the intriguing question of whether an Erin Brokovich (played by Betit Yen) could tame a Wolf of Wall Street or four (played by Tim Scanlin, Robert McKay, Joe Tex, and Stephen Lin).  The screening will be followed by a panel featuring many notables and materials from the Geena Davis Institute.  Festival Producer Thomas Block commented, "The International Human Rights Art Festival is thrilled to welcome Film Lab's "Mirror Mirror."  Following in the footsteps of Festival Godfather Norman Lear -- who produced a series of sitcoms in the 1970s at the intersection of activism and popular culture -- we feel that Film Lab's work follows this same path.  Audience is vital to activist art, and the Film Lab and "Mirror Mirror" use a popular platform and deeply felt art to discuss a issue of concert to all of us: gender bias women, and particularly women of color, endure every day in the workplace."

December 14, 2019

https://ihraf.org/2019-wild-project

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Betit Yen to Host 12th Season of TV Series "Film Lab Presents"


The long-running series Film Lab Presents returns to television screens nationwide starting December 6, 2019.  Betit Yen returns to host the series.  

December 6, 2019
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https://www.prlog.org/12798289-12th-season-of-film-lab-presents-premieres-december-6th-nationwide.html

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Jennifer Betit Yen as Nurse Aimee Kamoe in NBC's New Amsterdam

Jennifer Betit Yen is cast in the recurring role of OR Nurse Aimee Kamoe in the NBC series New Amsterdam.  She can be seen on season 2.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0928414/
https://www.celebdirtylaundry.com/2019/new-amsterdam-fall-finale-recap-11-19-19-season-2-episode-9-the-island/

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Sold Out Screening Featuring Works Starring Betit Yen at the Queens Museum

The Queens Museum, in conjunction with the Festival of Cinema, showcased a series of television and online entertainment starring Jennifer Betit Yen in a sold out event entitled "Race, Sex & Hold the Mayo."  The sold out screening was followed by a CBS-moderated talkback with the cast, crew and more.  

-August 2019


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Betit Yen Hosts 15th Annual 72 Hour Shootout Premiere

​Actor Jennifer Betit Yen made welcoming remarks, along with John Woo, at the premiere of the 15th Annual 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition in New York City.  Betit Yen's non profit, The Film Lab, has run this global filmmaking competition for over a decade to help bring recognition and exposure to diverse faces, voices and stories.  They partner with network executives at both ABC and NBC.  The premiere was followed by a red carpet Awards Ceremony and Wrap Party.
​

-July 2019
https://www.prlog.org/12781562-top-ten-72-hour-shootout-films-announced.html
https://twitter.com/asamfilmlab/status/1155154388983275520?s=20

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The Mayor of NYC Declares May 9, 2019, "Jennifer Betit Yen Day"​

New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio and the First Lady named Jennifer Betit Yen as the official honoree of the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration at Gracie Mansion.  Betit Yen spoke to a crowd of about 1000 people on the issue of representation in entertainment media.  The Mayor of the City of New York commended her for her acting and activism work and officially proclaimed May 9, 2019, "Jennifer Betit Yen Day" in New York City.  ​
​

-May 2019
Sinovison                   NYNews1
NYC Media               NYCNews

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Jennifer Betit Yen's Company Wants You To Make a Film in 72 Hours!
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"
Indie film is already about making the most possible use of your time on set, keeping costs low, and keeping crews efficient, but how about if you only had three days to start and complete a film? That’s what Asian American Film Lab’s 72 Hour Shootout challenges filmmakers to do each year, and success could mean a major leveling up in the industry. The organization, a nonprofit that provides support for gender and ethnic diversity in film and television, already implements programming all year to that end. The Shootout has the support of networks like ABC and NBC and film festivals like the Asian American International Film Festival to reward winners with real world mentorship, networking, and exposure to help marginalized voices be heard. Film Lab president Jennifer Betit Yen, who’s also an actor, oversees many operations at the lab and spoke with Backstage about what the competition can do for you, how the film lab helps budding filmmakers, and how Backstage can be key to filmmaking success during the Shootout."

-by Elyse Roth, Backstage Magazine, April 19, 2019
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/asian-american-film-lab-72-hour-shootout-advice-67892/ 

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Sci Fi Thriller, Lifeline, Starring Betit Yen, is Screening at MOMI April 2019
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The Sci Fi thriller, Lifeline, starring Jennifer Betit Yen, along with Alex Otis, Britta Whittenberg, and Dawn Trautman to premiere at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City on April 18, 2019.  The film was written by Meredith Metcalf and Kira McCarthy and directed by Caralene Robinson.  In it, Betit Yen plays @HotYogaMama in a dystopian future where everyone's lifeline is inextricably linked to their social media presence and everyone will do anything to stay relevant.

http://www.movingimage.us/programs/

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Jennifer Betit Yen Invited to Speak at Reducetarian Summit 2019​
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On September 27th - 29th, 2019, the third annual Reducetarian Summit will take place over three days in Washington D.C. to bring together people and perspectives from all corners of the world to explore strategies and tactics for reducing societal consumption of animal products and ending factory farming.    Jennifer Betit Yen has been invited to be among the featured speakers, if her schedule permits.

https://reducetarian/summit-2019

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Betit Yen to Star in Limited Engagement Theatrical Performance at The Tank

Jennifer Betit Yen will join actor Robert McKay (Ocean's 8, The Post) and others for a special limited engagement theatrical performance series at The Tank Theatre in midtown Manhattan in mid-February.  

February 2019
​

https://iwattau.brownpapertickets.com/
https://www.facebook.com/events/312853459341795/
https://www.thetanknyc.org/calendar/iwattau-feb-18
https://www.thetanknyc.org/calendar/iwattau-feb-19

https://www.prlog.org/12749777-new-play-tackles-immigration-in-an-interactive-and-dare-we-say-it-non-polarizing-manner.html​

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Second of Silly Addresses Race, Gender & More Through Comedy

"SOS" or "Second of Silly," a series of micro-comedy sketches by Jennifer Betit Yen, address race, gender and other societal issues through comedy.  From the "Asian American Accent" to "Deportation Spanish."  Featuring actors Jennifer Betit Yen, Joe Tex and Nina Daniels.  Co-directed by Johnny Tsang.
​ - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9535674
​January 2019
SOS: The Asian American Accent
SOS:  Chink
SOS: Deportation Spanish
SOS: #MeToo
SOS:  Canada Goose Sucks Donkey Balls
SOS: Turkey Trouble
SOS: Race Traitor


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"American Immigrant," Written and Directed by Betit Yen, to Screen at The Tank 

THE WALL: SHORT PLAYS ON IMMIGRATION IN THE TIME OF 45, a benefit for Immigrant Families Together, will be presented as part of Leviathan Lab's Living Room Series: New Short Plays by Asian American Playwrights.  The evening will feature  a new film produced by the Asian American Film Lab, and directed by Jennifer Betit Yen, as well as new plays by Sheila Bandyopadhyay, Kaela Mei-Shing Garvin, Daniel K. Isaac, Cherry Lou Sy, and Sanaz Toossi, plus screenings of the web series OCCUPY The White House Sprites.

-Broadway World, October 2018


https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Leviathan-Lab-Presents-THE-WALL-IMMIGRATION-IN-THE-TIME-OF-45-20181024?fbclid=IwAR0ntZNBzz3i89R5rFaEgebD7r1T3HS6K99PSXtJyIfpRROIwllOrs1qgFQ

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72 Hour Shootout Films of 2018 Premiere

Jennifer Betit Yen welcomed moviegoers to the Film Lab's 14th annual 72 Hour Shootout movie premiere at the Village East Cinema on July 28, 2018.  The premiere was followed by a red carpet awards ceremony and after party in Manhattan.

July 28, 2018

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Betit Yen Gives Opening Remarks at Filmmaking Competition Launch

In the heart of midtown Manhattan, at a Launch Party hosted in New York's Gossip Bar, cheery volunteers handed out gift bags and gourmet chocolate from a company called "Antidote."  Singer Kash performed two sets and Film Lab President, actor Jennifer Betit Yen, and 72 Hour Shootout Coordinator, editor Jatin Chhugani, gave welcoming remarks.
​

Watch the opening act with live musical guest Kash here
Read the Press Release
here

June 7, 2018

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Jennifer Betit Yen Emcees CAPA Festival in NYC

Jennifer Betit Yen returned as a requested emcee for the 39th annual NYC celebration event #CAPA39

Watch some of the festival here

May 2018

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TV Pilot Mirror Mirror Premieres at CBS Black Rock

The TV pilot, Mirror Mirror, based on a series concept by and starring Jennifer Betit Yen, premiered at CBS on March 29, 2018.  CBS's Barbara Matos introduced and organized the screening, which was followed by a panel on entertainment media and gender bias.

Panel Clip, courtesy of journalist Tina Duong:  https://youtu.be/wwPRRF8Zmrs

CBS Internal News:  
https://www.cbscorporation.com/2018/05/13874/
​

March 29, 2018

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​Betit Yen's Company Launches 14th Annual Filmmaking Competition

"This year, the Film Lab says it intends to focus on gender roles and female empowerment.  "The issue is obviously very timely, in light of #MeToo and #Weinstein," explained Film Lab President and actor Jennifer Betit Yen.  "In fact, Film Lab's production arm just completed a TV pilot, Mirror Mirror, addressing gender issues in the workplace through a half hour comedy.  In the words of actor, Tim Scanlin, it's what happens when an Erin Brokovich type goes up against a Wolf of Wall Street type.  Our 2018 Shootout Coordinator just came off editing the pilot and is very much interested in the topic of gender roles and equality issues.""

March 1, 2018
https://www.prlog.org/12694717-registration-opens-for-the-14th-annual-72-hour-shootout-filmmaking-competition.html

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K-Pop Musical Stars Jinwoo Jung and Joomin David Hwang, along with Jennifer Betit Yen Perform LIVE on Owl's March

"Watch BOT BAZAAR written by Victoria Moy, Starring KPOP THE MUSICAL stars Jinwoo Jung, Joomin David Hwang, Jiho Kang, and Asian American Film Lab's Jennifer Betit Yen in Owl's March's 2nd FB LIVE episode!" - fb.com/owlsmarch
​
February 23, 2018

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Jennifer Betit Yen Appears on the TBS Series "Search Party"

Jennifer Betit Yen appeared on Season 2 of the TBS series "Search Party."  After welcoming Dory to Mary's victory party, Jen's character caused mayhem by leading the police straight to Dory.
December 2017

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The Nielsen Foundation Awards Grant for Workshop Series Based on Betit Yen's TV Pilot

The Nielsen Foundation awarded a grant to the Film Lab for a screening, workshop and reading series about gender-based bias and violence, using a TV pilot project starring and produced by Jennifer Betit Yen.  The project aims to raise awareness about and combat sexual violence through the use of media entertainment. 
 
The pilot project, currently with a working title of “Mirror Mirror,” addresses gender bias through the lens of a comedy sitcom. 

November 2017

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The 9th Season of Film Lab Presents Premieres Nov. 3, Hosted by Jennifer Betit Yen

The bold, innovative and "deliciously diverse" television series, Film Lab Presents, will air its ninth season, beginning November 3rd, across the country on CrossingsTV - Time Warner Cable - Xfinity.  Hosted by actor Jennifer Betit Yen, the series showcases innovative and contemporary American entertainment.

November 2017
-https://www.prlog.org/12674164-9th-season-of-film-lab-presents-premieres-tomorrow-on-crossingstv.html



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Betit Yen Stars in TV Pilot Addressing Gender Bias

Jennifer Betit Yen will star in and co-produce a new television pilot addressing gender bias through ... comedy!  The City University of New York hosted the first workshop of the pilot script, written by Emmy nominee Cheryl L. Davis, on August 25, 2017, and the first performance read took place at CBS in New York City on October 12th, followed by a Q&A moderated by CBS Diversity VP Barbara Matos.

-​https://www.cbscorporation.com/2017/10/rad-provides-creative-opportunities-for-employees/

-http://jenniferbetityen.weebly.com/ethical-is-beautiful-be-beautiful-a-blog/mirror-mirror

-​https://twitter.com/JenBetitYen/status/918677066974924800

-https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unfinished-works-mirror-mirror-a-screenplay-reading-and-workshop-tickets-36939803948

-
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7471912/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1


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Jennifer Betit Yen Hosts 72 Hour Shootout Premiere

On July 29, 2017, Jennifer Betit Yen announced the top ten films of the annual 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition at the Asian American International Film Festival in New York City.  The films addressed themes of diversity, inclusion and exclusion and will go on to screen at Time Warner and on the television series, Film Lab Presents.

-https://aaiff.org/2017/events/2017-72-hour-shootout-world-premiere/
-http://www.onstageblog.com/columns/2017/4/12/asian-american-film-lab-challenging-ones-perspective-on-what-it-means-to-be-asian-american

-https://www.prlog.org/12655246-film-lab-announces-the-top-ten-films-of-the-72-hour-shootout.html
-http://events.fresh1027.cbslocal.com/newyork_ny/events/time-warner-film-lab-72-hour-shootout-awards-sc-/E0-001-102352924-7​



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"The Opposite of a Fairy Tale" Movie Available on iTunes

"The Opposite of a Fairy Tale," a movie written and produced by Jennifer Betit Yen to raise awareness about elder abuse, became available on iTunes on June 30, 2017.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-opposite-of-a-fairy-tale/id1236999030

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Jennifer Betit Yen and the Film Lab Awarded Grant for TV Pilot
​

AWGC has raised and awarded nearly $800,000 to projects by individual artists and community groups that contribute to progressive social and political change.  In 2017, they granted several thousand dollars to Jennifer Betit Yen and the Film Lab to create a television pilot aimed at focusing attention on the normalization of sexual violence in everyday society.

June 27, 2017 

http://asianwomengivingcircle.org/2017-2/

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How Women Empower Workplaces

Jennifer Betit Yen (President, Film Lab), Erin Grau (VP Digital Operations, New York Times), Cara Robinson (VP Global Marketing, Clinique), Avielle Wolfe (Developer, thoughtbot), Taryn Leiben (Chief Experience, Casper), and Brigid Shulte (New York Times best-selling author) make up a panel of power players discussing how women can empower themselves to improve their workplaces in an event hosted by Power to Fly at Casper Headquarters.

June 26, 2017
https://blog.powertofly.com/women-are-essential-in-leadership-2569749284.html

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Welcome To The New Normal

Jennifer Betit Yen gave opening remarks at the 2017 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition Launch Party, challenging filmmakers to define what a "true American" is and to use entertainment media to take control over social and cultural narratives.  More here.  

​Watch the speech here.

​June 1, 2017

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Betit Yen's Elder Abuse Film Available on iTunes

"The Opposite of a Fairy Tale," a dramatic film written by Jennifer Betit Yen to raise awareness about elder abuse became available on iTunes in May 2017.  - ​https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-opposite-of-a-fairy-tale/id1236999030

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​Jennifer Betit Yen Among Judges for the Annual CUNY Asian American Film Festival

The judges of the 2017 CUNY Asian American Film Festival included Jennifer Betit Yen (the only woman on the panel), Associate Professor John Acosta of Kingsborough, CUNY FORUM founding editor Russell C. Leong, Brooklyn College film production instructor Vinit Parmar, and CUNY Assistant Professor Ryoya Terao.    Since 2004, the film festival has awarded over $10,000 in cash prizes to student filmmakers, promoting artistic visual talent and communication. www.aaari.info
Photo:  AAARI CUNY Executive Director Antony Wong and film festival judge Jennifer Betit Yen, May 2017

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Jennifer Betit Yen on Diversity and Inclusion in Film & TV

"So often all we do is complain about the lack of diversity and inclusion. Of course we need to continue to complain, bitch and moan. However, I think we also need to be reminded that there are organizations that are doing something to change the status quo, there are people that are making a difference. It's nice to be reminded that there are people fighting for actors of color. It's important to note those making a difference. We are all so much stronger together. Keep screaming and complaining. Keep fighting. Change doesn't happen overnight but together we can rise up."

- OnStage Blog, 4/12/17


​

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Challenging one’s perspective on what it means to be Asian American
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"Of course, I knew I had to meet Jennifer Betit Yen the president of AAFL and find out what exactly this 72 Hour Shootout is and what other awesome things AAFL does." ... "

- Huffington Post, 4/9/2017

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/58eaf8a8e4b00dd8e016ed7d

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Jennifer Betit Yen's Movie to Screen at CUNY Prior to Public Release

Jennifer Betit Yen's film, The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, which uses film to raise awareness about elder abuse, will screen one final time at the City University of New York prior to its public release.  Betit Yen, who can also be seen playing the role of "Helen" in Cheryl Davis's new play, "Swimming Uptown," commented, "I'm so excited to have the finale screening of my film back where it all began.  AAARI-CUNY graciously hosted our very first table read and it's so nice to have them also host our final screening." 

Read more here.  Event Photos here.

​April 1, 2017

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Betit Yen's Company Launches Annual Filmmaking Competition

Registration opened for the Film Lab's 13th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout ("Shootout"), which will take place in early June.  Filmmakers began registering online at www.film-lab.org for this worldwide filmmaking competition, designed to promote ethnic and gender diversity in media, in which filmmaking teams are given a common theme at the start and then have 72 hours to write, shoot, edit, and complete short films up to five minutes in length.  This year, the Film Lab says it intends to focus on the meaning of "American" – what does it really mean to be an American?  Who "deserves" to be considered an American?  "The idea came from one of our Board members, Aaron Woolfolk," explained Film Lab President, Jennifer Betit Yen.  "And the official tagline this year, 'Stand Together,' came from co-Shootout coordinator Cici Chu.  We want to focus on what brings our diverse and heterogeneous nation together and on our common humanity."

-EntSun News
​March 1, 2017



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Jennifer Betit Yen's Movie, The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, Receives Funding from NYSCA and the Arts Council

The New York State Council for the Arts and the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes awarded a film Presentation Funds grant for Jennifer Betit Yen's film, The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, which uses film to raise awareness about elder abuse.  Read more here.

​January 3, 2017

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HBO Previews a Special Version of Jennifer Betit Yen's Movie, The Opposite of a Fairy Tale

In a special preview screening at HBO, Jennifer Betit Yen's film, The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, screened to an at-capcity theatre.  Tai-Chen Bassin of HBO moderated a panel after the screening.  Panlelists included Jennifer Betit Yen, Albert M. Chan (filmmaker), Yoko Iwaki (consultant to and early advocate of the film), and Daniel G. Fish (attorney).  Read more here.

 - December 15, 2016

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Jennifer Betit Yen's Movie on Elder Abuse Showcased by the Jewish Association Serving the Aging
The Jewish Association Serving the Aging ("JASA"), in partnership with Fordham University and St. John's University, will be utilizing the movie The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, by Jennifer Betit Yen, for a special workshop for industry professionals on "The Role of Social Work Professionals in Assisting Underserved Populations."  The workshop will be organized and moderated by Martha Pollack, LCSW, the Manhattan District Director of JASA.  

"Ms. Betit Yen's film offers a unique view of how elder abuse is perceived and handled in different cultures," states Pollack. "We, at JASA, anticipate that it will open up a conversation that will assist the entire community of service providers to work with renewed sensitivity and understanding to protect a wide range of seniors."  Read more here.

 - December 13, 2016

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The Ethical is Beautiful Be Beautiful Bitty Beauty Book Published
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Jennifer Betit Yen published a compilation of DIY beauty tricks ranging from facial cleaner to toner to body scrubs and moisturizers.  The book focuses on easy-to-make, cruelty-free recipes that can be made at home with simple and inexpensive ingredients from the grocery store.  More information here.
​ - The Book Patch, November 2016

Jennifer Betit Yen on Awareness & Elder Abuse
" I started researching and found out that elder abuse affects so many people, and nobody knows about it or talks about it, especially within the Asian immigrant communities. And so I thought that even though I couldn’t help my grandmother, maybe there was a way I could still help somebody else. I decided to create a film that focuses on non-physical elder abuse.  I think there has to be so much more dialogue and a complete social shift in the way we look at aging. Because when we talk about aging as being awful and being a disease, we take away all the power of the human being. And all of us are going to get old, so it’s our power that’s being taken”
-Next Day Better Interview of Jennifer Betit Yen by Sherina Ong, November 1, 2016.  Read the complete interview here. 

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Jennifer Betit Yen's Movie on Elder Abuse Wins Accolades in Palm Springs

Executive Director of the Desert Film Society, Beth Fromm, took an interest in Betit Yen's film on elder abuse and pushed for its preview in Palm Springs.  The screening, at Camelot Theatres, in October 2016, enjoyed a packed house of 250 attendees and raised attention to the issue of elder abuse.  Fromm raised hundreds of dollars to assist Betit Yen in using her film to continue to help create awareness about elder abuse through the medium of film.  Read more here.

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The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, by Jennifer Betit Yen, Previews in Palm Springs, CA, on October 15, 2016

Betit Yen's The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, special edition version, is now an official selection of the Desert Film Society in Palm Springs.  The Palm Springs screening will take place October 15, 2016, followed by a panel and a fundraiser for which 100% of the proceeds will go to efforts to combat elder abuse.  More information on the film’s official website at www.TheOppositeOfAFairyTale.com.

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The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, by Jennifer Betit Yen, Selected by SAG-AFTRA Foundation for Screening
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The Opposite of a Fairy Tale is among the official selections of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation NY Short Film Showcase, featuring the best of the year's New York based SAG-AFTRA short films.   In the film, a woman is slowly imprisoned by her family with the unwitting help of well-meaning bystanders.  The film aims to draw light to the epidemic of elder abuse affecting at least 1 in 10 seniors today.  It was written by Film Lab President and actor Jennifer Betit Yen and stars Josephine Yang, Nikole Marone, Albert Chan, and Deborah Kuhn, among others.  The SAG-AFTRA Foundation NY Short Film screening will take place on September 28, 2016, at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s brand new screening room located in midtown Manhattan.  More information on the film’s official website at www.TheOppositeOfAFairyTale.com.


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Movie by Betit Yen Selected by The Staten Island Community Agency for Senior Citizens! 

August 2016: The Staten Island Community Agency for Senior Citizens is using The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, an AAFL TV/Film Lab production by Jennifer Betit Yen for training and education to #‎StopElderAbuse!  More at www.TheOppositeOfAFairyTale.com 

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Betit Yen's Film, The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, Selected for Preview Screening at The 39th Annual Asian American Film Festival in New York City


The Asian American International Film Festival has selected the film, The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, written by Jennifer Betit Yen, for its 39th annual film festival, the leading festival of its kind on the East Coast.  The film will preview on July 23, 2016.  For tickets, click here
Press Coverage by The Examiner:  www.examiner.com/article/aaiff-to-screen-the-opposite-of-a-fairy-tale
Can Hollywood Stop Elder Abuse?  https://twitter.com/MadeinNY/status/750714875383603200
Ent Sun News:  http://entsun.com/doc/10662045
Photos:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1142868612439244.1073741840.572737252785719&type=1&l=9b5211aa17

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MOCA AND NYAWC Host Sold Out Preview Screening of Film Written by Betit Yen

MOCA and NYAWC selected  The Opposite of a Fairy Tale, a psychological drama written by Jennifer Betit Yen to raise awareness about elder abuse, as a MOCAFILM to preview on June 16, 2016, followed by a panel discussion on elder abuse.  In the film, a woman is slowly imprisoned by her family with the help of the misinformed but well-meaning public.  The preview sold out with standing room only crowds.
​June 16, 2016

Press Release here
Fievent write up here
MOCAFILM here
AsianinNY article here
EntSun article here
See video footage of the event here
Event photos here

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Jennifer Betit Yen Gets Real with a No-Holds-Barred Talk about Hollywood Whitewashing

Actor and Film Lab President Jennifer Betit Yen gave opening remarks at the 2016 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition Launch Party, giving a no-holds-barred call to action in the context of a history of Hollywood whitewashing.   Lauded as "real talk" by attendees, one stated, "Count on [Jennifer] to make you feel proud to be a person of color."

See also coverage by CrossingsTV

Live footage of the speech here

June 2, 2016
​
NYC


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Emcee Jennifer Betit Yen at the May 16, 2016, CAPA Celebration in NYC

CAPA Hosted an Annual  Asian American and Pacific Islander Celebration in NYC on May 16, 2016.  Emcee Jennifer Betit Yen introduced Bollywood Axion and MTVIET and talked to the audience about "The Opposite of a Fairy Tale," a film she wrote to put a stop to elder abuse, and about whitewashing in Hollywood.   More here.

May 2016 

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Director's Roundtable Moderated by Jennifer Betit Yen 

On May 5, 2016, directors from stage, film and TV - including Eddie Shieh, Erin Quill and Patrick Wang, joined a roundtable to share insights and advice with emerging directors and other artists.  Jennifer Betit Yen moderated the event, which was described by attendees as "informative" and "fun."  More here. 

Photo credit:  P. Worley 
Left to right:  Directors Eddie Shieh and Patrick Wang, actor Jennifer Betit Yen at the Director's Roundtable

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Jennifer Betit Yen Hosts Season 7 of FLP on CrossingsTV

​Film Lab Presents, featuring "bold, innovative and deliciously diverse" entertainment, debuts its seventh season beginning April 28, 2016, on CrossingsTV.  Jennifer Betit Yen has returned to host the series.  More here. 

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Jennifer Betit Yen in Random Fox's TriBeCa/Interlude "Cast Me!" Interactive

"Cast Me!" puts you in the shoes of a casting director, who only has a few minutes to cast the female lead in a superhero movie. Will you answer the call of diversity?  Will you "play it safe" and conservative?  Will you be colorblind?  Will you pick the right girl for the job? 
​

Play Here: https://v.interlude.fm/v/zDB56V


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Jennifer Betit Yen Playing Jackie in John Wu's TROPHY


A Reading of John Wu's screenplay, TROPHY, will take place on March 29, 2016, at AAARI-CUNY starring Jacqueline Pereda as Laura, Jose Mercado as Jason and Jennifer Betit Yen as Jackie.

​
Round Town write up here

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Entertainment Law in the Age of New Media - Betit Yen Among Featured Speakers

Brooklyn Law School hosted a roundtable on entertainment Law in the Age of New Media.  The featured presenters included Anouska Hamlin of FilmNation Entertainment, Jennifer Betit Yen of the Film Lab, Sarah Matz and Gary Adelman of Adelmam Matz P.C., Shalizeh Sadig of Romano Law, and Willard Alonzo Stanback of Stanback PC.

-Brooklyn Law School Entertainment and Sports Law Society, March 9, 2016
Photo credit: Jo Dongbang.  Pictured (left to right):  Sarah Matz, Gary Adelman, Shalizeh Sadig, Jennifer Betit Yen, Anouska Hamlin, and Willard Alonzo Stanback

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Jennifer Betit Yen Helms the Film Lab's Start of the 12th Annual 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition

"[H]elmed by the brilliant Jennifer Betit-Yen," registration has begun and "it is a hoot and a half to be there."

-The Fairy Princess Diaries, by Erin Quill
March 3, 2016
Photo:  Jennifer Betit Yen (right) and Youn Jung Kim (left)

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Jennifer Betit Yen to Perform Scenes from Man Asia Finalist Eric Gamalinda's Noir Novel

On Thursday, December 3rd,  the Asian American Writers Workshop hosts some of the hottest actors in NYC who'll transform a novel into a play. Actors Alexis Camins and Jennifer Betit Yen will perform scenes from Man Asia Finalist Eric Gamalinda's noir novel. Actors from Spicy Witch Productions will perform Annette Storckman’s play-in-progress Bonesetter: A Tragislasher.
​
 - Asian American Writer's Workshop, December 2015

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Jennifer Betit Yen Heads Up Film Lab Project to Bring Attention to Real Societal Problems

-Fairy Princess Diaries
by Erin Quill
November 2015

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MyJennyBook Personalized Multi Media Stories Featured in Cornell Alumni Magazine 2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Main Characters: A child can be the star of a personalized storybook, including fantasies like Mermaid Adventure and reality-based tales like First Day at a New School.  Starting at $28.99, MyJennyBook, created by Cornell alum Jennifer Betit Yen.  www.myjennybook.com

http://www.cornellalumnimagazine-digital.com/cornellalumnimagazine/november_december_2015?pg=57#pg57

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Jennifer Betit Yen to Moderate Time Warner Panel on Mainstream Media Constructions of Beauty and their Societal Implications
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Jennifer Betit Yen will moderate a panel discussion on October 7, 2015, regarding mass media constructions of beauty and the consequences of judgment based on what we look like rather than who we are.  The panel will follow a screening of films, including one in which Betit Yen plays a lead role.  The event will conclude with a networking reception at the Time Warner Theatre in Columbus Circle.

Read the Backstage Pass article here.
Read the AsAmNews article here.
Read AsianinNY article here.

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Asian Women Giving Circle Awards Grant to Produce Screenplay Written by Jennifer Betit Yen

The Asian Women's Giving Circle, through funding obtained via the Ms. Foundation, awarded a grant to produce the film, "The Opposite of a Fairy Tale," by Jennifer Betit Yen, a fictional narrative film designed to draw light to the issue of elder abuse.  The film is currently in pre-production with filming scheduled to begin in winter 2015.

prlog 2015
Asiance Magazine article here

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Jennifer Betit Yen Selected as AABANY Panelist

The Asian American Bar Association of New York has selected Jennifer Betit Yen as a panelist to speak about diversity in casting at its 6th Annual Fall Conference, "Charting New Frontiers," which will take place on September 16, 2015, at the law offices of Cleary Gottlieb.
http://conference2015.aabany.org/speaker-lineup/jennifer-betit-yen/  
Watch a portion of the panel here.  

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Jennifer Betit Yen Hosts the 2015 72 Hour Shootout at the Asian American International Film Festival in New York City

For the press release, click here

For the Backstage Pass write up, click here

July 25, 2015


Photo credit Lia Chang (c) 2015  Actor Jennifer Betit Yen (right) and director Bertha Bay-Sa Pan (left).  June 2015


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Jennifer Betit Yen Gives Speech on "Beauty" at the 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition Launch Party!

Beauty is a hot topic in arts and entertainment right now and Betit Yen addressed it in depth at the 11th annual 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition launch party.  The event was live in New York City and broadcast via livestream for filmmakers around the globe.  

For the details of the speech, click here.  

To watch the speech on AAFLTV, click here


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AAFLTV “Focus on the Philippines” Monday nights in June, hosted by Jennifer Betit Yen, Erin Quill and Lia Chang

Backstage Pass, June 2015

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CrossingsTV to Air New Series Hosted by Jennifer Betit Yen

Crossings TV will air a special new Film Lab Presents hosted by actor and Film Lab President Jennifer Betit Yen!   On April 17 and 24, 2015,  in a special two episode series, Film Lab Presents The 72 Hour Shootout and, beginning May 1, Film Lab Presents a special Asian Pacific Heritage Month special series of Film Lab’s innovative, fun, new entertainment in Central Valley, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle, as well as in New York/New Jersey.

Read the Backstage Pass article  here!

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Jennifer Betit Yen Performs in Hypokrit Theater's Romeo & Juliet


Jennifer Betit Yen performed in the Friday night performance of Romeo & Juliet with the Hypokrit Theatre Company.  Hypokrit Theatre Company adapts classical plays from different cultures for the contemporary audience. 
                                                                                                                                                   


                                                                                                                        


380 Broadway, New York, New York
https://www.facebook.com/hypokrittheatre

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Jennifer Betit Yen Performs as "Mabel Li" in the First Public Reading of a New Play by Myra Sito Velasquez:  The Astonishing Journey of Mabel Li and the Mysterious Ways of Lord Ba Tha Za at the HERE Theater in New York City on February 2, 2015


Read the review in AsianinNewYork here!
http://blog.asianinny.com/films/staged-reading-of-the-astonishing-journey-of-mabel-li-and-the-mysterious-ways-of-lord-ba-tha-za/



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Jennifer Betit Yen Cast in Eric Gamalinda's "The Descartes Highlands"

On December 1, 2014, The Asia Society hosts Filipino American author Eric Gamalinda in an event that will include dramatic readings from The Descartes Highlands by actors Alexis Camins, Jennifer Betit Yen, and Ben Mandell.  Eric Gamalinda’s international debut novel is a contemporary work of ideas that combines mystery, film noir, and existential philosophy and ventures into the territory of such writers as Michel Houellebecq or Javier Marías. Named The Descartes Highlands after the region of the moon where Apollo 16 landed in the same year these children were born, this novel tells the story of its characters’ quest for an understanding of their existence outside of the chaos of their lives, which are spiraling out of control. “This novel delivers a commitment to beauty as unflinching as the bleak truths it tells — about globalization, about colonialism, about our human madness — offering in turn what seems our only, paradoxical hope: the pained telling of our story — a gorgeous and bitter feast.”
— Gina Apostol, author of Gun Dealers’ Daughter   

http://asiasociety.org/new-york/events/eric-gamalinda—-descartes-highlands 
To watch video footage of the event:  
http://asiasociety.org/video/eric-gamalinda-jessica-hagedorn-complete or click here

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Jennifer Betit Yen Moderates Provocative Panel on Race in Mainstream Media at Time Warner


http://www.prlog.org/12394477-time-warner-and-film-lab-host-screening-panel-on-race-in-media.html    

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Jennifer Betit Yen Performs as "Chuck's Hot Mom," a research scientist AND an evil school principal in the reading of a new television pilot at The Korea Society


http://www.prlog.org/12392073-film-lab-and-the-korea-society-partner-to-host-new-performance-read-and-workshop.html

                                                                                                                                                   

 Filmmaker Savanna Washington (left) with actor Jennifer Betit Yen (right) at The Korea Society 2014

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Film Lab and NBCUniversal Chiller Network Host Halloween Spooktacular!  Jennifer Betit Yen moderates a talk back with award winning director Zao Wang!

http://www.examiner.com/article/nbcuniversal-s-chiller-and-the-asian-american-film-lab-halloween-spooktacular?CID=examiner_alerts_article

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Jennifer Betit Yen in New Television Series on CrossingsTV

Beginning September 14, 2014, Jennifer Betit Yen brings her energetic personality and love of fabulously fun, diverse content to CrossinsgTV, hosting a new TV series that will air Sundays across the country.  For more, click here.


http://www.asamnews.com/tag/crossings-tv/

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"Entertainment media is the method by which we as a country leave our history and tell our story about who we are as a people to the rest of the world."
— @JenBetitYen, Honoree for the #APAHM Reception at Gracie Mansion pic.twitter.com/c1H5k0cISp

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) May 10, 2019
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Jennifer Betit Yen Selected as a Panelist for the 2015 Socially Relevant Film Festival in New York
Jennifer to appear as a panelist on a Casting Panel, moderated by Adam Moore, National Director of EEO & Diversity for SAG-AFTRA, regarding today’s media landscape, what is driving the seemingly increased levels of inclusion and diverse stories on our screens and, most importantly, what creators and audiences alike can do to ensure lasting and positive change.
http://www.ratedsrfilms.org/#!spotlights--keynote/c1v90

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Jennifer Betit Yen Performs in a Public Reading of Celena Cipriaso's "SOBER CITY"

Jennifer Betit Yen performed the roles of an overly dramatic Southern author, a non-nonsense nurse and a hard-hitting attorney in the public reading of a single screenplay in Manhattan in August.  

Press release here.

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Jennifer Betit Yen Hosts World Premiere of Tenth Annual 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition

Celebrating diverse filmmakers across the globe, Betit Yen introduced the world premiere of the award winning films by thanking fans, supporters and artists.  She shared a quote from Juno Diaz regarding the reason diversity in media is so critical:

“You guys know about vampires?” Diaz asked. “You know, vampires have no reflections in a mirror? There’s this idea that monsters don’t have reflections in a mirror. And what I’ve always thought isn’t that monsters don’t have reflections in a mirror. It’s that if you want to make a human being into a monster, deny them, at the cultural level, any reflection of themselves.

And growing up, I felt like a monster in some ways. I didn’t see myself reflected at all. I was like, “Yo, is something wrong with me? That the whole society seems to think that people like me don’t exist?

And part of what inspired me, was this deep desire that before I died, I would make a couple of mirrors. That I would make some mirrors so that kids like me might seem themselves reflected back and might not feel so monstrous for it.”
​-Juno Diaz

Press Release here
Footage here


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Is Colorblind Casting/Writing/Producing Possible?
“One of the reasons that I and the Film Lab advocate film and television celebrating, through diverse casts and crews, the diversity of the US is because perception becomes reality,”  Betit Yen stated.  “Perception is important.  When mainstream media portrays Asian American men as only asexual wimps and Asian American women only as Geisha girls or dragon ladies; African American men as thugs and criminals, Latina women as loud, promiscuous and unable to control their emotions; Middle Easterners as terrorists, and so on, it creates a widespread perception that, at some level, those characterizations are actually true, are actually real.    That makes it that much more important for people like you and me to create positive perceptions of diversity and people of color for the mainstream; in doing so, we reinforce a perception that color is good; that color is American.” 
-AsianinNewYork Online 
-PRLog, quoting Jennifer Betit Yen's June 6, 2014, 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition Launch Party speech.
Watch it here.


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Actress Jennifer Betit Yen Speaks Out About Acting, Books for Children and AAFL TV, the New Innovative, Bold and Deliciously Diverse Production Company!

Asiance Magazine May 2014

http://www.asiancemagazine.com/2014/05/22/actress-jennifer-betit-yen

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Jennifer Betit Yen profiled by the Maynard Institute for Journalism

For Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month 2014, the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education website celebrates 31 individuals. One for each day of May.  The Institute selected Betit Yen for May 11th.

"The lives of these Americans are worthy of celebration and further study, which our short profiles hope to encourage. The women and men included are writers, editors, journalists, publishers, trailblazers and change makers. They remind us of the rich contributions Asian-Pacific Americans make and have made in the world of words.  This is by no means a definitive or exhaustive listing. It's a starting point for learning, comment & discussion during Asian Pacific Heritage Month - May 2014 when our nation pays a little more attention to issues of diversity. Be heard. Tell us what you think & what we can learn!  You can also visit previous year's features here: Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month 2013, Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month 2012 - A collaboration between the Asian American Journalists Association and the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education; Asian-Pacific Heritage Month 2011."
 - Maynard Institute for Journalism, May 11, 2014, http://mije.org/features/asian-pacific-heritage-month-2014?page=1  

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Jennifer Betit Yen to Appear on Panel on Diversity in Casting by the New York Indian Film Festival 2014
http://www.iaac.us/nyiff2014/panels.htm

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Jennifer Betit Yen Hosts New Television Series, Film Lab Presents
Wednesdays at 10pm EST on NYCLife
Series Premiere March 5, 2014

"Film Lab Presents, hosted by actor Jennifer Betit Yen, consists of a series of “Film Lab Mash Ups,” ranging from comedy to drama.  The consistent underlying theme is one of definition – what does it mean to be a minority member of a society?  The issue will be examined through positive, non-academic, easily accessible, and creative original stories."

Free Mobile App Download to watch on Video on Demand   

Invitation      

Commercial

Teasers

http://www.nyc.gov/html/media/html/tv/nyctv_life_aafl.shtml


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Jennifer Betit Yen Cast as Judy in Upcoming Film THE AVIATRIX

Jennifer Betit Yen has been cast as Judy, the granddaughter of probably the first Asian female aviatrix, in what is sure to be a stunning story taking us back in time through the eyes of the granddaughters of Katherine Sui Fun Cheung.  The short film will be shot documentary style and is written by journalist Ed Moy.

Watch the trailer here!

2014

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The Astonishing Journey First Table Read (A Play by Myra Sito Velasquez)
Jan 25, 2014 First Table Read Cast:  Henry Yuk *:Lord Ba Tha Za/Donkey, Doctor, Cindy Cheung *:Su Yin/Ghost Jade Fang/Samson, David Shih *:Winston Caw, Rich Gent, Jennifer Betit Yen:Ugh/Mabel Li/ Iron Lotus, Jan Mizushima:Mei Ling, Lady Servant to Iron Lotus, Celestial Genii Street Seller 3, Wife of Street Seller 2, W Kam Lee:Ah Yut, Talent Agent Chi, Radio Reporter/Radio, InterviewerJo Jo Gonzales *:Bing, Neighbor Han, Agnes, ChangSiho Ellsmore:Molly, Bo, Jen, Passerby, Villager, Celestial GeniiAlexis Camins:FuFu, Wayne Goh/Lin Liwei, Street Seller One/ Villager One, PolicemanHansel Tan:Ma, Talent Agent Chow, Street Seller 2, Villager 2, Chester PolpotinoNicole Franklin:Narrator, Stage Directions, Voice of Winston's Mama

In a world of vengeful ghosts, roving sex bandits and scheming vixens, what's a poor peasant girl to do?
http://www.myravee.com/astonishing.html

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The Paper Dragon
Manhattan Theatre Source
177 MacDougal Street, NYC

In this "comedy-drama about the social dynamics of a group of 20-something friends living in Manhattan's Chelsea district," including "Bot, Ronnie's drop-dead-gorgeous Asian passing fancy who is temporarily living in the apartment because the woman she really loves is in a green-card marriage with a gay man" ...  "[T]he talented cast provides adept character portraits" and "Jennifer Betit Yen creates a feisty good-time-girl Bot."

Review by Erik Haagensen, Backstage Magazine
http://www.backstage.com/review/ny-theater/off-off-broadway/paper-dragon/

New York Times Mention:  http://www.nytimes.com/theater/show/25872/Paper-Dragon/overview

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SAG-AFTRA Host Asian American Filmmakers Luncheon
 SAG-AFTRA NY
Fall 2013, Volume 2, No. 2

On August 3, 2013, the SAG-AFTRA Equal Employment Opportunities & Diversity Department, along with the National Asian Pacific American Media Committee, hosted a filmmakers luncheon as part of the 36th Annual Asian American International Film Festival ("AAIFF").  Guest speaker, SAG-AFTRA actor and Film Lab President, Jennifer Betit Yen, addressed how the union's involvement increased the number and quality of films in the 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition, an integral part of the AAIFF, in a discussion moderated by SAG-AFTRA National Director of EEO & Diversity, Adam Moore.

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Jennifer Betit Yen interviewed on CUNY TV: Asian Americans in Arts and Entertainment



CUNY TV journalist Paul Lin interviewed Jennifer Betit Yen, President of the Asian American Film Lab, and other successful Asian Americans who are forging new identities in business, politics and the arts.  Asian American Life is reaching new frontiers in the quest for understanding and acknowledgment among tri-state Asian Americans.



http://www.cuny.tv/bio/jennifer_betit_yen

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Actors Katherine Kine (left) and Jennifer Betit Yen (right) perform in the comedic staged reading of "Marriage Made in Hell."

"Marriage Made in Hell" is a supernatural romantic comedy in which a carefree slacker thinks he's found the perfect wife to foil his marriage-minded mother's plans - until his bride's spirt (played by Jennifer Betit Yen) shows up to prove sh's dead wrong for him!

New York City, 2013



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Accolade Award Winner 
Leading actress in a television pilot

La La Land, starring Jennifer Betit Yen, wins an Accolade Award for best television pilot.

"Jennifer was an great driving force for the project LA LA Land. from Day 1 to the wrap, she was alway moving forward,organizing, fixing any problems as a good producer should and also, she managed to perform very well in front of the camera as the Main actor should.
I am looking forward to work with her again."
--Rodolphe Portier, Director of Photography at Rod Portier Photography

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Yut Ho
East West Players
Los Angeles, California

"Jennifer Betit Yen played the lead role of Yut Ho, in my played titled YUT HO, which was read at the David Henry Hwang Writers Institute at East West Players in December 13, 2009. She was a very unique Eurasian actress who deftly played the range of the teenage Yut Ho's characters from escaping sadness at home, living happily at Cameron House, having arranged marriage, and finally to commiting suicide in an opium den and brothel in San Francisco Chinatown at the start of the 20th century. Jennifer has the right temperament and surviving wit to play Yut Ho, whose mother was then about to sell her to pay off her late father's gambling debts. But in the end, the innocently arranged marriage by Cameron House's Gweiloh Moo soon led her being dragged back into the very opium den and brothel that she once lived with her mother years earlier. I would definitely use Jennifer in future plays and movies, for she has the tenacity and the intuitive talent to play roles with wide ranges."

                                                                                          --Howard Fong, Independent Arts and Entertainment Professional


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Voice Over Actress Jennifer Betit Yen on Running Asian American Film Lab


"Jennifer Betit Yen is an actress and voiceover artist, an attorney, the President of the Asian American Film Lab, and the CEO of MyJennyBook.com. As an actress, Jennifer has performed theatrically, including performing onstage at the Manhattan Source Theatre in NY and at the East West Players in LA. She also provides voiceover for Random House and Reading Rainbow, among others, including voicing the character of Avery in the series The Beacon Street Girls. Ms. Betit Yen attended Cornell University undergraduate and got her JD from Boston Law. "


--Yahoo! Voices

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Jennifer Betit Yen to Star in New Asian American Web Channel Set To Launch With New Series September 30

"[AAFL TV] is set to launch its new web television channel on September 30th"..."Jennifer Betit Yen (pictured left on the set of the upcoming series My Not So SubConscious) recently answered the following questions from AsAmNews...."


--AsAmNews

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The Chinese Delivery Man
Staged Reading
A/P/A Institute at New York University, part of the 36th Annual Asian American International Film Festival

Jen Yen played an intrepid young social activist in the reading of Isaac Ho's feature screenplay, "The Chinese Delivery Man," which won the 2013 Asian American International Film Festival Screenplay Competition.

-- http://www.scriptenabler.com/isaachowriter/?p=921

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Cinema Beyond Boundaries Kicks Off With Much Fanfare"...[S]eakers from the west who would grace the event in the next two days include"..."[D]ylan Marchetti of Variance films and Elliott Kanbar, president of the Quad Media in New York, producer, director and editor Vishesh Sharma," and "president of the Asian American Film Lab, an actor, attorney and the CEO of  MyJennyBook.com Jennifer Betit Yen."
--Page3Bollywood


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Jennifer Betit Yen performs in the staged reading of Aimi Negbenebor Sela's film, "A Day in the Life of Who" at The Korea Society in New York City.

Pictured here with filmmaker Jae-Ho Chang (left) and AsAmFilmLab Unfinished Works Coordinator Lorna Nowve (right).

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