Canon rolled out the red carpet for its First Cut Contest premiere on December 16, and the event provided emerging filmmakers with real money and real support.

Canon launched the contest earlier this year by inviting emerging digital creators to submit a video under 3 minutes that pitches a dream project. Twelve finalists were invited to screen their projects at a premiere in LA in December, and that’s also where the four grand prize winners were selected.

The premiere featured several top creators, including the night’s hosts, Alisha Marie and Zane Hijazi.

Attendees walked a red carpet and then sat inside to watch short previews of each film. The finalists were then selected from a lineup of top creators, including YouTuber Michelle Khare, TikTokker Josh Richards, YouTube duo Colin & Samir, and filmmaker Rory Kramer.

“It was really such a cool opportunity to get to come in and shine a light on the already such brightly shining creators that made it this far,” said Josh Richards. “Getting to see where the future of creators is heading and what they are thinking of when they go to create art is so awesome as a fellow creator. I’m learning from this experience just as much as everyone else here is. It helps me keep my finger on the pulse of what’s incoming and what’s new.”

The night offered a glimpse into where independent filmmaking is headed next and which creators to watch.

The winning creators, Zahra Hussain, Braxton Haugen, Josiah Selvig, and Jasmine Hawley, each received a $25,000 check to help turn their concepts into films, Canon gear, mentorship from judges, and a trip to LA to attend the exclusive premiere.

“It’s so awesome that we get to celebrate ourselves for once,” said Zahra Hussain. “I prioritize so much work for other people, and this is the first time I’m prioritizing something for myself. The reward was this amazing event that I could never have imagined would be so community-based.”

TikTok is rolling out two updates designed to make the feed more comfortable for users with light sensitivity, migraines, or motion-related sensitivities.

The Key Updates:

YouTube's annual AAPI Gala showcased the cultural impact and creativity of Asian American and Pacific Islander creators. This year, the spotlight was on three who are redefining digital leadership: Dhar Mann, LaurDIY, and Michelle Khare.

YouTube interviewed the three creators about how their identity as AAPI creators informs their content and creative process, their thoughts on Hollywood, and the legacy they want to leave on YouTube 10 years from now.

“I assumed inclusion and visibility was reserved for those who looked “more Asian” or grew up closer to their culture. Over time, though, I realized identity isn’t a gate-kept performance, it’s a lived experience.” — Lauren Riihimaki (LaurDIY)

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