Think you need a Hollywood budget to make a film? Think again. A groundbreaking new competition is turning that notion on its head by offering a cool $1 million prize for the best short film created using artificial intelligence-and the doors are wide open to creators worldwide.

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, in partnership with Google's Gemini platform, has just launched the AI Film Award, being touted as the world's most valuable prize for content creation. But the revolutionary bit is this: you don't need a fancy camera, film crew, or even actors. Just your imagination and AI tools.

How It Works

The competition challenges filmmakers to create 7-10 minute short films, of which at least 70% of the content is generated by AI. To create a level playing field for all entrants, participants must use Google's AI toolset-specifically Gemini and its creative engines for video generation, Veo, and image creation, Imagen. Think of these as your virtual film studio, cinematographer, and special effects team rolled into one.

The briefs offered two themes: "Rewrite Tomorrow" for those optimistic visions of the future and "The Secret Life of," which reveals hidden stories behind any particular thing or experience.

"Creativity is no longer confined to large studios and massive budgets. Anyone with a mobile device and a vibrant imagination can now create," said Saeed Al Eter, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office.

The Timeline

The clock is ticking: submissions close on November 20, 2025. Here's how the competition unfolds:

- 21 November - 4 December: A panel of global tech and filmmaking experts will review submissions based on storytelling, creativity, integration of AI, and thematic strength.

- December 10-15: Top 10 films go to public vote

- January 3, 2026: Top 5 finalists announced

-January 10: Finalist films premiere at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai

- January 11: Winner of $1 million is announced

Why This Matters

This competition signifies an earthquake-like transformation in the content-making process. In the past, filmmakers' access to expensive gear and industry networks was the major factor determining who could make films. The usage of AI tools is democratizing the process, letting a pupil in Mumbai, a lecturer in São Paulo, or a retiree in Melbourne have the same chances as well-known creators.

"We want Google Gemini to give every aspiring storyteller, regardless of their budget or available equipment, the power of our advanced models to bring ideas to life," said Anthony Nakache, Google's Managing Director for the Middle East & North Africa.

The award is initiated within the framework of the fourth 1 Billion Followers Summit which will be held from January 9-11, 2026 in Dubai, the award is initiated. The visitor count is expected to reach, in addition to the 400 speakers, who together have a social media following of over 3 billion, more than 30,000 from more than 140 countries.

The Bigger Picture

The enormous payout should definitely draw attention, however, the contest is an indication of a much larger scenario: the conflict between AI and creative sectors. For example, video generating apps such as Veo can now create very realistic videos just by using descriptive text and on the other hand, Imagen is generating stunning images-all this is being done without any physical shooting.

The question about the future of cinema is obviously very captivating. The AI will come as one more tool for the creators like editing software or digital cameras previously did, or it will completely change the storytelling process by changing the narrators and the way of narration?

For now, the 1 Billion Followers Summit is betting on the latter - and offering seven figures to prove it.

Creators who are interested can submit their works at the digital address www.1billionsummit.com/ai-film-award. Any language films are welcomed as long as they are with English subtitles, and the authors must be regularly active on social media. The contest is for everyone, but the communication is unambiguous: during the time of AI, the use of money or relationships is no longer a barrier to entry for filmmakers. It's imagination.