The “Billion Followers Summit,” the largest global event focused on the content industry, organized by the media office of the government of the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Google Gemini, has announced details regarding a significant international award for AI-generated films, valued at $1 million.
The purpose of this AI-generated film award is to encourage and support the creation of meaningful films using various AI tools while raising awareness of the humanitarian messages that these films should convey.
Additionally, the award aims to enhance creative capabilities, aesthetic vision, and advanced skills in integrating AI tools into film production. Short films have become one of the most popular mediums for effectively delivering impactful messages to audiences worldwide.
More than 400 speakers, whose collective following on social media exceeds 3 billion, are expected to participate in the Billion Followers Summit 2026. The event anticipates over 30,000 attendees from more than 140 countries, including over 15,000 content creators.
The summit uniquely features participation from all major social media platforms and includes a variety of workshops, initiatives, and events, including a dedicated pavilion for content production companies supporting the top 100 small to medium-sized enterprises.
The “Influencer Accelerators” program, part of the second edition of the “Invest with Content Creators” initiative, aims to invest over 50 million AED to support content creators as they become business founders.
During a press conference held yesterday at the Influencers’ headquarters, the summit and Google Gemini shared details about the AI-generated film award, inviting submissions from now until November 20. The criteria and themes for submissions were also unveiled, outlining the areas of focus for competing films.
Empowering Content Creators
Saeed Al-Attar, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Head of the Media Office of the UAE Government, stated, “The Billion Followers Summit has evolved into an important global event that contributes to the support of talent and the development of advanced skills while promoting investment in the content industry.”
He added, “The UAE today confirms its leadership through the launch of this award, highlighting its commitment to establishing itself as a global center for innovation and technology.”
The UAE was among the first countries to appoint a minister for artificial intelligence and now ranks third globally in attracting specialized talents in this field. The country integrates artificial intelligence into its educational system, teaching it as a core subject from kindergarten through to the twelfth grade, reflecting a strategic vision toward building a generation equipped with future skills.
He noted, “The launch of this award comes amidst rapid transformations in the cinema and visual content production industry. Creativity is no longer limited to large production companies or hefty budgets; it is accessible to any creator with a smartphone and an imaginative mind.”
He emphasized that artificial intelligence will amplify human creative capabilities, allowing more stories to be told and reaching broader audiences, thus inspiring billions around the globe.
Enhancing Creativity
Anthony Nakkash, General Manager of Google in the Middle East and North Africa, expressed hope that Google Gemini would empower every aspiring storyteller, regardless of their budget or available equipment, with advanced models to transform ideas into reality.
This includes Veo, our advanced video generation model, Imagen for image creation, along with various other tools and features. We are very pleased to support this award in partnership with the Billion Followers Summit and look forward to announcing the winning film in January.
Award Criteria and Timeline
During the press conference, the award’s participation criteria were outlined: a minimum of 70% of the film must be created using Google Gemini’s generative AI tools such as Veo, Imagen, Flow, and others. While other editing tools can be used, they should not generate video content.
Additionally, films must be creative and realistic, addressing two primary themes: (1) “Reimagining the Future” through stories that explore future possibilities with a positive outlook, and (2) “The Secret Life of Everything” through storytelling focused on aspects of life yet to be narrated.
The award’s judging criteria will assess storytelling, creativity, and the integration of AI, along with execution and alignment with the thematic message.
Films should have a duration of 7 to 10 minutes, and interested participants can submit their entries at the summit’s website: https://www.1billionsummit.com/ai-film-award, provided the submission is attributed to a single individual.
The review of qualifying films will take place from November 21 to December 4. Public voting on the top ten films will commence on December 10 and conclude on December 15, to select the best five films.
On January 3, the five films competing for the grand prize will be announced. The top five films will be showcased during the Billion Followers Summit on January 10, and the winner of the $1 million grand prize will be revealed on January 11.
Participation in the award is open to all, with applicants required to be active content creators on social media platforms. Films can be submitted in any language but must include English subtitles.
Criteria for AI-Generated Films
The criteria set by the Billion Followers Summit for the films participating in the award includes a clear narrative structure, character development, dialogue clarity, and a coherent message, ensuring a high-quality audio mix.
There should be an ideal harmony between dialogue and character mouth movements, sound design appropriate for the scene, and suitable pacing and flow. Dialogue, music, and sound effects should be treated as separate audio tracks, maintaining visual continuity and scene transitions.
The innovation and ethical use criterion emphasizes transparency regarding the models and tools utilized, avoiding biased or misleading outputs, and committing to providing open files upon request.
Saeed Al-Attar
The launch of this award reflects the UAE’s commitment to solidifying its status as a global hub for innovation and technology.
Creativity is now within reach for any imaginative individual equipped with a mobile device, rather than being confined to large corporations.
Anthony Nakkash
Artificial intelligence should enhance creativity and support creators worldwide.
Award Timeline
From September 23 to November 20: Start of submission acceptance.
From November 21 to December 4: Review of qualifying films.
From December 10 to December 15: Public voting on the ten shortlisted films to select the best five.
January 3, 2026: Announcement of the five films competing for the grand prize.
January 10, 2026: Showcase of the top five films in the competition.
January 11, 2026: Announcement of the grand prize winner and recognition of participants.
Participation Requirements
The film must be creative, realistic, and at least 70% generated using AI tools.
Utilization of Google Gemini’s generative AI features is required.
Films may be accepted in any language, provided they include English subtitles.