The 1 Billion Followers Summit has extended the submission deadline for its AI-Generated Film Award to 5 December 2025 following a surge of global interest in the US$1 million competition.
Organised by the UAE Government Media Office in partnership with Google Gemini, the award has drawn unprecedented engagement from creators worldwide.
More than 16,380 submissions have already been received from around 73 countries, marking the highest participation since the award’s launch. Entries include 5,952 films from the Middle East, 3,777 from Asia, 3,455 from North Africa, 1,386 from Europe, 1,024 from the US, and 790 from other regions. The announcement has reached over 17.8 million people.
The award aims to empower filmmakers who use generative AI tools, with at least 70 percent of each film required to be produced using Google technologies such as Veo, Imagen, and Flow, along with platforms built on Google Gemini. Films must run between 7 and 10 minutes and focus on one of two themes: Rewriting the Future or The Secret Life of Everything.
Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in MENA, said the response reflects the growing creative potential of AI and its ability to support storytellers. Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office, said the extension aligns with the Summit’s goal of giving more creators a platform to share purposeful ideas.
Judging will take place from 6 to 15 December, followed by public voting from 18 to 25 December. The top five finalists will be announced on 8 January 2026, with their films showcased during the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, where the grand prize winner will be revealed on 11 January.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
