TLDR: The 1 Billion Followers Summit, in collaboration with Google Gemini, has announced a groundbreaking $1 million AI Film Award. This initiative aims to foster creativity and innovation in filmmaking by encouraging the use of artificial intelligence tools. Submissions, requiring at least 70% AI-generated content using Google Gemini tools, are open until November 20, 2025, with the winner to be revealed at the Summit in January 2026. The award underscores the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global hub for technology and innovation.
Dubai, UAE – The 1 Billion Followers Summit, organized by the UAE Government Media Office, has partnered with Google Gemini to launch the world’s largest AI Film Award, offering a grand prize of US$1 million. This significant initiative, announced on September 24, 2025, seeks to champion impactful filmmaking through the innovative application of artificial intelligence.
The award is designed to encourage the creation of meaningful content and to enhance the creative and technical proficiencies of filmmakers by integrating AI into their production processes. It also highlights the growing influence of short films as a powerful medium for conveying compelling messages to a broad audience.
Anthony Nakache, Google’s Managing Director in the Middle East & North Africa, emphasized Google’s vision, stating, “At Google, we believe AI should amplify creativity and support creators.” He added that AI will ‘further amplify human creativity, enabling us to tell more stories, connect with larger audiences, and inspire billions around the globe.’
His Excellency Saeed Al Eter, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office, underscored the UAE’s pioneering role. ‘The UAE reinforces its global leadership today with the launch of this award, demonstrating its commitment to establishing itself as a world-leading hub for innovation and technology,’ he said, noting that the UAE was the first nation globally to appoint a Minister of Artificial Intelligence.
To qualify for the award, films must be at least 70% AI-generated. Applicants are mandated to utilize Google Gemini’s suite of tools, including Imagen, Veo, and Flow, along with any third-party tools that leverage Google Gemini as their foundational technology. While supplementary editing with other software is permitted, it is not allowed for core video generation.
Submissions for the award are open until November 20, 2025. The top five finalist films will be announced on January 3, 2026, and will be screened during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, scheduled to take place from January 9-11, 2026. The highly anticipated winner of the US$1 million grand award will be unveiled on January 11, 2026, during the summit.
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The 1 Billion Followers Summit itself is a monumental event, expected to host over 400 speakers with a combined following exceeding 3 billion. It anticipates attracting more than 30,000 visitors from over 140 nations, including more than 15,000 content creators. The summit is unique in its comprehensive participation, featuring every active social media platform.
