1 Billion Followers Summit and Google Gemini Extend AI Film Award Deadline
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
The 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai has announced that the deadline for its huge AI-Generated Film Award is now extended to 5 December 2025. This award is the biggest in the world for films made with artificial intelligence. It is organised by the UAE Government Media Office and Google Gemini, and it has a prize of 1 million US dollars.
The organisers said they extended the date because so many people from around the world want to join. More than 16,380 films have already been sent from about 73 countries. From the Middle East alone, there were 5,952 entries. Asia sent 3,777, North Africa sent 3,455, Europe sent 1,386, the United States sent 1,024, and the rest came from other regions. More than 17.8 million people saw and interacted with the award news online, showing the huge global interest.
The goal of the award is to help creators make meaningful films using AI tools from Google Gemini. These films should share helpful, positive, and human stories that can inspire people everywhere.
Google’s Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Anthony Nakache, said that Google wants AI to help people be more creative and tell better stories. He said they are happy with the large number of entries and excited to welcome even more filmmakers with the new deadline.
Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and Director of the Summit, said that extending the deadline supports their vision to give as many creators as possible a chance to join. She said the UAE wants to lead the way in helping creators share powerful content that can make a positive impact.
To enter the competition, at least 70 percent of each film must be made using AI tools from Google, such as Veo, Imagen, and Flow, or other tools built on Google Gemini technology. Editing is allowed, but the video itself must be mostly made by AI. Films must look real, be creative, and follow one of two themes:
• Rewriting the Future – stories that show a positive future
• The Secret Life of Everything – stories that reveal hidden sides of everyday life
Each film must be between 7 and 10 minutes long. Creators can submit their films on the Summit’s website, and each film must be submitted under one person’s name.
Judging for the top 10 films will take place from 6 to 15 December 2025. Then, people around the world can vote from 18 to 25 December to choose the top five. On 8 January 2026, the five finalists will be announced. Their films will be shown at the Summit on 10 January, and the winner of the 1 million US dollar prize will be revealed on 11 January 2026.
The fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit will be held in Dubai from 9 to 11 January 2026 at Emirates Towers, DIFC, and the Museum of the Future. The theme for 2026 is “Content for Good”. More than 400 speakers with a combined following of over 3 billion people will join, along with more than 30,000 visitors, including over 15,000 content creators from more than 140 countries.
