The 1 Billion Followers Summit, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, has announced the world’s largest AI Film Award with a total value of US$1 million, in partnership with Google Gemini. Submissions are open now and close on 20 November 2025, with the winning film set to be revealed in Dubai on 11 January 2026.
What the award is, in plain terms
This is a short-film competition focused on AI-assisted production. Entries must be 7–10 minutes and at least 70% AI-generated, using Google Gemini tools such as Imagen, Veo and Flow, plus compatible third-party tools that run on Gemini. The aim is to back impactful stories and build practical AI skills for filmmakers.
- AI share: minimum 70% of the film
- Core tools: Google Gemini (Imagen, Veo, Flow)
- Length: 7–10 minutes
- Focus: strong storytelling, creative use of AI, solid execution
- Eligibility: open to all active social media creators; any language with English subs
The organisers want films that use AI as a creative engine, not a gimmick. Traditional editing and finishing tools are allowed, but core video generation must rely on Gemini and approved integrations. Submissions will be assessed on story, creativity, AI integration, execution and fit with the set themes.
For UAE creators, this comes at a time when Google has rolled out Flow and Gemini video tools in MENA and Veo 3 is now available inside the Gemini app, making AI film production more accessible.
The timeline UAE creators need to know
Dates are fixed around Dubai time, as the Summit runs 9–11 January 2026.
- Submissions: open now until 20 November 2025
- Review window: 21 November to 4 December 2025
- Public voting for 10 qualifiers: 10–15 December 2025
- Top 5 announced: 3 January 2026
- Screenings: 10 January 2026 at the Summit
- Winner revealed: 11 January 2026
Planning matters. Leave time for subtitles, audio mixing and export checks. The jury will be strict on technical quality, including clean audio, sync and scene continuity.
Themes to build around
There are two creative prompts. Keep it tight and clear.
- “Rewrite Tomorrow”
- Paint a near-future with practical details.
- Show how people live, work or create with AI.
- “The Secret Life of …”
- Pick an everyday object, place or system.
- Reveal unseen stories with personality and restraint.
Short films work when they commit to one idea. Pick your theme, find one strong visual metaphor, and run with it.
How judging works, plus technical must-haves
A jury will score entries on story, creativity, AI use, craft and theme fit. On the technical side, organisers call out specifics: clean dialogue, correct lip-sync, coherent sound design, and proper transitions. You must also disclose the AI models and techniques used, and be ready to share open project files if asked.
- Story and structure carry real weight
- Visual realism helps, but clarity beats spectacle
- Sound matters: separate stems for dialogue, music and effects
- Keep records of prompts, workflows and versions
- Transparency is part of the rules
Treat this like a film deliverable. Keep your session organised, label tracks, and export a QC screener before submission.
How to submit from the UAE
Applications are live at the official page. Submit under a single individual’s name, confirm your social content activity, and include English subtitles if your film uses another language. Participation is open globally, but a large creator turnout is expected in Dubai.
- Upload your 7–10 minute cut
- Provide tool disclosure and credits
- Check audio, subs and aspect ratio
- Keep a backup with project files ready
The Summit itself expects over 30,000 visitors, 400 speakers and full platform participation, making Dubai the natural stage for AI-made shorts at scale.
If you’re looking to expand beyond the competition, check out the FUZE influencer platform in MENA, which helps creators monetise their content.
Context for MENA creators using Gemini tools
If you are building with Gemini in the region, you’ve got new options. Our coverage shows Google has rolled out Flow and photo-to-video features in MENA, and Veo 3 support has landed through the Gemini app. That makes the toolchain more accessible for UAE-based teams preparing entries.
- Flow and Gemini photo-to-video tools arrived in MENA
- Veo 3 creation is available via the Gemini app
- Local devices with Gemini tie-ins can help speed up workflows
Creators in the UAE already work in a market where AI content is accelerating fast across telecom, retail and social apps. The ecosystem is mature enough to support production, collaboration and quick testing. Our coverage of K2 Think, the UAE’s first open reasoning model, shows how AI innovation is becoming a regional priority.
Do I have to use only Google tools for the whole film?
No. Core video generation must be done with Google Gemini tools (Imagen, Veo, Flow) or third-party tools that run on Gemini. You can use other software for editing and finishing.
What are the film length and language rules?
Films must be 7–10 minutes. Any language is fine if you include English subtitles.
When will the winner be announced?
The top five screen on 10 January 2026, and the US$1 million grand prize winner is announced on 11 January 2026 in Dubai.
