Dubai has unveiled the world’s biggest AI Film Award with a $1 million grand prize, to be held as part of the 1 Billion Followers Summit from 9–11 January 2026. The contest is open to global creators who can use Google Gemini tools to craft short films. The aim: to democratize filmmaking, spotlight AI creativity, and position Dubai as a hub for the creator economy. Submissions are open now, with strict eligibility rules and deadlines.
Dubai launches global AI film competition
Dubai has announced the AI Film Award, carrying a $1 million grand prize, as part of the upcoming 1 Billion Followers Summit, scheduled for 9–11 January 2026. The competition, launched in partnership with Google Gemini, opens the door for global filmmakers to showcase how artificial intelligence can reshape storytelling. This is no ordinary film competition. To enter, creators must produce 7–10 minute short films where at least 70% of content is generated using Google Gemini tools including Veo for video, Imagen for images, and Flow for animation. Entrants choose between two themes: “Rewrite Tomorrow”, exploring positive visions of the future, or “The Secret Life Of”, uncovering hidden stories in everyday life. Films must be subtitled in English, professionally edited, and submitted by 20 November 2025.
How creators can compete for the $1 million prize
- Registration Start Date: 23 September 2025
- Deadline: 20 November 2025
Participants must upload their entries through the official Summit portal. Each film must run between seven and ten minutes, include English subtitles, and demonstrate professional-level editing. Once submitted, entries are confirmed by email and will be reviewed by an expert jury.
Eligibility and themes: What the rules really say
- Who Can Enter: Open to creators worldwide. Only individual creators may apply (though teams can support the work) and entrants must be active social media content creators. Corporate or institutional entries are not allowed
- Film Duration & Technical Formatting: Video length should be 7–10 minutes. Any language is allowed, but English subtitles are mandatory. Professional editing and clear sound quality required and subtitles must be accurate and properly synced
- AI Tool Usage & Requirements: At least 70% of the film must be AI-generated. Participants Must use Google Gemini tools (Veo, Imagen, Flow) as the main AI engine. Other tools may be used for sound, editing, or minor visuals. Entrants may need to show which sections were created using Gemini.
- Themes to Choose From: “Rewrite Tomorrow” (envisioning a hopeful or alternative future) or “The Secret Life Of” (revealing hidden stories behind everyday life) Entries must strictly align with one theme.
From entry rules to winner announcement – Timeline
The competition will move quickly. In December 2025, judges will reveal the top ten shortlisted films, followed by public voting. On 3 January 2026, the five finalists will be announced, and their work will premiere at the Summit in Dubai. The winner of the $1 million prize will be crowned on 11 January 2026.
Prize Money and Global Exposure for Winners
- Grand Prize: $1,000,000 for the best AI film.
- Finalist Benefits: The top 5 films will premiere at the 1 Billion Followers Summit before tens of thousands of creators, investors, and media leaders.
- Industry Recognition: Winners and finalists gain exposure across international platforms and join Dubai’s growing Dh50 million creators accelerator fund ecosystem.
What you should pay attention to
Here are some tips and subtleties that aren’t always obvious but could make a difference:
- Balancing AI and human input: Although AI must generate at least 70%, human creativity still has to shape the film, the storytelling, voice, editing, composition. AI tools are enablers, not replacements.
- Ethical transparency: Be clear about which Gemini tools you used and how. If you use other tools or external footage, cite or document them. In some sources they say you may be asked to supply open files.
- Theme execution over superficial references: It’s not enough to attach a theme name. Judges will look for depth — does your film really “rewrite tomorrow” with new ideas, or does it just slap on futuristic visuals? Does “The Secret Life Of” go deeper than just showing something hidden does it evoke empathy, surprise, insight?
- Language / subtitles: English subtitles are required even if your dialogue is in another language. Poor subtitle translation or missing subtitles can hurt.
- One entry per individual: While some sources say one entry per individual, others allow multiple entries (but maybe in different genres?). You’ll need to double-check this in the full criteria.
- Public vote matters: Being shortlisted means you’ll go through public voting. So a film that appeals to audiences (not just art/AI enthusiasts) may have an edge. Think about clarity, emotional hook, shareability.
This award is not only the largest prize for an AI-generated film but also a symbolic step toward redefining global storytelling. By combining advanced AI tools with a high-profile global stage, Dubai is giving filmmakers from independent artists to emerging talent the chance to compete at a cinematic level once reserved for big studios.
