Prime Highlight
- Dubai has launched the world’s biggest AI film contestwith a $1 million prize, as part of the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2026.
- The initiative, in partnership with Google Gemini, positions Dubai as a global hub for digital creators and AI-driven storytelling.
Key Facts
- Participants must submit 7-10 minute films with at least 70% AI-generated contentusing Gemini tools like Veo, Imagen, or Flow, by 20 November 2025.
- The winning film will premiere at the Dubai summit,and the creator will also gain access to the Dh50 million creator accelerator ecosystem.
Background
Dubai has launched the world’s biggest Artificial Intelligence film contest with a $1 million grand prize. The award will be a part of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, which will be held in Dubai between 9 and 11 January 2026. The project will generate artificial intelligence-inspired creativity and demonstrate Dubai as a digital creator center of the world.
The contest, launched in partnership with Google Gemini, is open to creators worldwide. Participants must create short films between seven and ten minutes long, with at least 70% of the content generated using Gemini tools such as Veo, Imagen, or Flow. Submissions can be in any language but must include accurate English subtitles and professional editing to qualify.
Creators can choose from two themes. Rewrite Tomorrow asks filmmakers to present new and hopeful visions of the future, while The Secret Life of aims to reveal hidden stories behind ordinary life. Entries must strictly follow one of the themes.
The submission deadline is 20 November 2025. In December, judges will select the top 10 films, which will then face a round of public voting. The top five finalists will be announced on 3 January 2026, and their films will premiere at the Dubai summit.
The winner of the $1 million prize will be revealed on 11 January 2026, gaining not only recognition but also access to Dubai’s Dh50 million creator accelerator ecosystem.
