Six Days Left: Google Gemini and 1 Billion Followers Summit's $1 Million AI Film Award Deadline is 20 November

Dubai, UAE: Aspiring filmmakers and content creators have just six days left to submit their entries for the world's largest AI Film Award, powered by Google Gemini and launched by the 1 Billion Followers Summit. This competition, which promotes the production of impactful short films using cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence tools, offers a life-changing grand prize of US$1 million. The final deadline for submissions is 20 November 2025.

The AI Film Award by 1 Billion Followers Summit & Google Gemini is designed to encourage meaningful content and enhance filmmakers' creative and technical skills by seamlessly integrating AI into their productions.

The award recognises the growing power of short films as a highly effective medium for delivering impactful messages to a wide audience.

The Technology Driving the $1 Million Prize

To qualify for the award, films must be at least 70 per cent AI-generated. Applicants are required to use Google Gemini, including its advanced models such as Veo (for video generation) and Imagen (for image generation), as well as any third-party tools that utilise Google Gemini as underlying technology.

Submissions must be between 7-10 minutes long. While creators are free to use other software for supplemental editing, these external tools cannot be used for core video generation. Filmmakers must also demonstrate transparency regarding the AI models, techniques, and tools used.

Creators must tackle one of two compelling themes: "Rewrite Tomorrow," which inspirationally explores the shape of the future, or "The Secret Life of," which challenges filmmakers to demonstrate that everything around us has an unseen, untold story.

A panel of judges will evaluate submissions based on storytelling, creativity, AI integration, execution, and thematic excellence.

UAE’s Vision for the Future of Film

The launch of the award reinforces the UAE’s global leadership in innovation and technology. Saeed Al Eter, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office, noted that the competition launches at a pivotal moment.

He stated, “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, emphasised Google Gemini's role in this democratisation of filmmaking. He commented, “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.”

Summit Screening and Timeline

The winner will be revealed at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, which is the world’s largest event dedicated to the content creator economy. The Summit will take place from 9-11 January 2026, featuring over 400 speakers with a collective following of over three billion.

The final screening and award timeline is as follows:

• Submissions close: 20 November 2025.

• Submitted films reviewed: 21 November-4 December.

• 10 qualifying films open to public voting: 10-15 December.

• Top five films announced: 3 January 2026.

• Top five films screened at the Summit: 10 January 2026.

• The US$1 million grand award winner revealed: 11 January 2026.

Participation is open to all who are actively producing content on social media. Applications, which must be submitted in the name of one person only, can be made via the official website: https://www.1billionsummit.com/ai-film-award.