1 Billion Followers Summit opens submission for AI Film Award worth $1million

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, an annual event focused on content creation, has opened submissions for the "world's largest" AI Film Award, valued at $1 million.

Launched in partnership with Google, films submitted for the award must be at least 70 per cent AI-generated and use Google Gemini including Imagen, Veo and Flow, as well as any third party tools that use Google Gemini as underlying technology. 

Submissions for the award opened on Monday and will close on November 20, after which 10 films will be shortlisted for a public vote. The top five films will be premiered at the Summit before a winner is announced. 

Films must address one of two concepts: “Rewrite Tomorrow”- inspirationally exploring the shape of the future - or “The Secret Life of...", revealing a  hidden story behind an everyday thing.

"This award launches at a pivotal moment marked by rapid transformation in film, visual production, and content creation," said Saeed Al Eter, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office.

"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."

Anthony Nakache, Google’s Managing Director in the Middle East & North Africa, stressed how "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 fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2026 is reportedly expected to include over 400 speakers with a collective following of over 3 billion, and attended by over 30,000 visitors from more than 140 nations, including over 15,000 content creators.