TLDR: The 1 Billion Followers Summit, in collaboration with Google Gemini, has announced the world’s largest AI Film Award, offering a grand prize of US$1 million. The competition, organized by the UAE Government Media Office, aims to foster AI-driven creativity in filmmaking, with submissions open until November 20, 2025. Films must be at least 70% AI-generated using Google Gemini tools and will be judged on storytelling, creativity, and AI integration.
Dubai is set to host a groundbreaking event in the world of artificial intelligence and filmmaking with the launch of the AI Film Award, a collaborative initiative between the 1 Billion Followers Summit and Google Gemini. This global competition, organized by the UAE Government Media Office, boasts the largest prize in its category, offering a staggering US$1 million to the winning filmmaker. The award ceremony will be a highlight of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, scheduled to take place in Dubai from January 9 to 11, 2026.
The competition is designed to push the boundaries of storytelling through artificial intelligence, encouraging creators worldwide to explore innovative uses of AI in film production. Participants are invited to submit short films, ranging from 7 to 10 minutes in length, with a strict requirement that at least 70% of the content must be AI-generated. Crucially, the core video generation must utilize Google Gemini technologies, including Imagen, Veo, and Flow, though other tools can be employed for supplemental editing.
Filmmakers can choose to address one of two compelling themes: ‘Rewrite Tomorrow,’ which encourages hopeful and forward-looking narratives about the future, or ‘The Secret Life of,’ prompting creators to uncover unseen stories behind ordinary objects or moments. Submissions are open until November 20, 2025.
Anthony Nakache, Google’s Managing Director of MENA, emphasized the company’s vision for AI in creative fields, stating, “At Google, we believe AI should amplify creativity and support creators. We want Google Gemini to give every aspiring storyteller, regardless of their budget or available equipment, the power of our advanced models to bring ideas to life.”
The judging process will be rigorous, with an expert panel evaluating entries based on storytelling, creativity, AI integration, execution, and thematic excellence. Following an initial review period from November 21 to December 4, 2025, ten qualifying films will be open to public voting from December 10 to 15. The top five finalists will be announced on January 3, 2026, with their films screened during the Summit on January 10. The grand prize winner will be revealed at the closing ceremony on January 11, 2026.
His Excellency Saeed Al Eter, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office, highlighted the significance of this initiative. He remarked, “The 1 Billion Followers Summit has grown to become a key global event in supporting talent, developing advanced skills, and fostering investments in the Creator Economy. 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 further added, “This award launches at a pivotal moment marked by rapid transformation in film, visual production, and content creation. Creativity is no longer confined to large studios and massive budgets, as anyone with a mobile device and a vibrant imagination can now create. Artificial intelligence will further amplify human creativity, enabling us to tell more stories, connect with larger audiences, and inspire billions around the globe.”
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The AI Film Award by 1Billion Summit & Google Gemini is poised to be a landmark event, fostering innovation and showcasing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the realm of cinematic storytelling.
