1 Billion Followers Summit And Google Gemini Unveil Details Of US$1 Million AI Film Award

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, a major event focused on the content creator economy, has announced the world's largest AI Film Award in collaboration with Google Gemini. This award, valued at US$1 million, aims to promote impactful films using AI tools. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the summit will take place from 9-11 January 2026.

Submissions for this prestigious award are now open and will close on 20th November 2025. Films must be predominantly AI-generated, with at least 70% of their content created using Google Gemini tools like Imagen and Veo. Applicants can also use third-party tools that incorporate Google Gemini technology.

The AI Film Award encourages filmmakers to create meaningful content while enhancing their creative and technical skills through AI integration. The award highlights the increasing influence of short films as a powerful medium for conveying messages to a broad audience.

Films should creatively explore one of two themes: "Rewrite Tomorrow," which envisions future possibilities, or "The Secret Life of," revealing hidden stories in everyday objects. Submissions must be between 7-10 minutes long and demonstrate storytelling, creativity, and thematic excellence.

The summit will feature over 400 speakers with a combined following exceeding 3 billion people. More than 30,000 visitors from over 140 countries are expected to attend, including over 15,000 content creators. The event is unique in its inclusion of every active social media platform.

A Creator’s Market will showcase over 100 startups, while the Creators Ventures accelerator plans to invest AED50 million in helping creators become founders. These initiatives aim to support talent development and investment in the Creator Economy.

Judging Criteria and Process

A panel of judges will evaluate submissions based on storytelling quality, creativity, AI integration, execution, and thematic excellence. Films must have clear audio mixes without distortions and proper sync between dialogue and character mouth movements.

From 21st November to 4th December, submitted films will undergo review. Ten qualifying films will then be open for public voting from 10th to 15th December. The top five films will be announced on 3rd January and screened during the summit on 10th January.

Quotes from Key Figures

Saeed Al Eter stated that the UAE is reinforcing its global leadership by launching this award. He emphasised the nation's commitment to becoming a hub for innovation and technology through initiatives like appointing a Minister of Artificial Intelligence.

"This award launches at a pivotal moment marked by rapid transformation in film," Al Eter added. "Creativity is no longer confined to large studios; anyone with a mobile device can create."

Google's Role

Anthony Nakache from Google expressed excitement about the AI Film Award: "At Google, we believe AI should amplify creativity and support creators." He highlighted Google's advanced models like Veo for video generation and Imagen for images as tools available to filmmakers.

Nakache added that they are eager to see how these tools empower storytellers regardless of budget or equipment constraints: "We are very excited about the AI Film Award, and can’t wait to announce the winning film in January."

Participation Requirements

The competition is open globally but requires participants to actively produce content on social media platforms. Films can be submitted in any language if they include English subtitles. Proper sound design with separate tracks for dialogue, music, and effects is essential.

Filmmakers must disclose all AI models used and provide production files upon request. Transparency regarding techniques and tools is crucial for participation in this innovative competition.

The grand prize winner will be revealed on 11th January during the summit's final day. This initiative underscores the UAE's strategic vision of empowering future generations with advanced skills through AI education integrated into its school system from kindergarten onwards.

With inputs from WAM