Storytelling is about to enter a new era. In one of the boldest creative initiatives yet, Google Gemini and the 1 Billion Followers Summit have teamed up to launch the world’s biggest AI film competition, offering a staggering $1 million prize to one filmmaker whose work pushes the boundaries of storytelling through artificial intelligence.
The competition, officially organised by the UAE Government Media Office, opened for global submissions in September 2025 and will conclude at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, scheduled from January 9 to 11, 2026.
The goal is simple yet groundbreaking: to inspire creators to use AI not as a shortcut, but as a new lens to imagine stories that have never been told before.
At its core, the AI Film Award invites participants from every corner of the world to submit a 7-10 minute short film, with at least 70% of its content generated using AI tools like Google’s Gemini, Veo, Flow, and Imagen models. It’s an open challenge to blend human creativity and machine intelligence in ways that make audiences rethink what’s possible on screen.
The competition offers two official storytelling themes, “Rewrite Tomorrow,” which calls for hopeful, forward-looking narratives about the future, and “The Secret Life Of,” which encourages creators to uncover unseen stories behind ordinary objects or moments. Together, they encourage a mix of imagination, emotional depth, and visual experimentation that mirrors how AI is reshaping creative industries.
Entries will remain open until November 20, 2025, through the official portal. Once submissions close, an expert panel of filmmakers, technologists, and storytellers will shortlist the top entries based on originality, narrative strength, and how effectively AI tools were integrated into the creative process.
The judging process will unfold in multiple stages, with shortlisted films advancing to a global public voting round in December 2025, followed by a live screening of the top five finalists at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai. The grand prize winner will be announced on January 11, 2026, during the closing ceremony.
Speaking about the collaboration, Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google Middle East and North Africa, said, “AI should amplify creativity and help creators tell stories beyond limitations. Gemini gives every aspiring filmmaker the power of cinematic imagination, regardless of budget or resources.” His statement reflects the spirit of accessibility and innovation at the heart of the initiative.
The UAE’s Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects, Saeed Al Eter, emphasised that the award aligns with the country’s ambition to become a global hub for AI-driven creativity. He noted that Dubai’s commitment to integrating AI in education, entrepreneurship, and entertainment makes it the perfect stage for a movement that bridges art and technology.
This AI Film Award also marks a major highlight of the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, an international gathering that unites creators, entrepreneurs, and investors to shape the future of the digital economy.
The 2026 summit is expected to welcome over 3,000 attendees, 200 speakers, and 150 media organizations from more than 80 countries.
With AI now transforming every creative field, from writing and design to cinema and gaming, this initiative stands as more than just a competition. It’s a declaration that the future of filmmaking will be collaborative, intelligent, and deeply human at its core.
As the organizers put it, the AI Film Award is not about replacing artists with algorithms, it’s about empowering them. It’s an invitation to dream bigger, experiment boldly, and rewrite tomorrow with the power of technology and imagination.
