A groundbreaking new global competition — the 1 Billion AI Film Award — has officially opened for submissions, offering what has become the world’s largest prize for AI-generated films.
With a $1,000,000 grand prize and a premiere slot at the prestigious 1 Billion Followers Summit (1BFS), the award is set to redefine how filmmakers create and imagine stories in the age of artificial intelligence.
This year’s edition challenges creators to produce 7–10 minute short films generated using Google Gemini, Google’s rapidly evolving AI toolset.
Organisers describe the competition as a celebration of innovation, technology, and the future of storytelling, encouraging filmmakers to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI-powered creativity.
“An award in celebration of innovation, storytelling, and technology, where filmmakers redefine short films through the creative power of artificial intelligence,” the organisers said, noting that the competition sits at the intersection of entertainment and next-generation technology.
A Million-Dollar Prize for AI Creativity
The competition invites entrants worldwide to choose from two official themes:
- Rewrite Tomorrow — stories imagining a hopeful future
- The Secret Life Of — revealing hidden narratives in everyday things
The winning film will be announced on January 11, 2026, following a multi-stage judging and public voting process. Only one filmmaker will walk away with the $1 million award and global recognition at the 1 Billion Followers Summit.
Timeline for the 2025–2026 AI Film Award
- September 23, 2025 – Submissions open
- December 5, 2025 – Final submission deadline (extended)
- December 18, 2025 – Top 10 shortlisted
- December 18–25, 2025 – Public voting
- January 10, 2026 – Top 5 films premiere at 1BFS
- January 11, 2026 – Final winner announced
Filmmakers must upload their films to YouTube as unlisted videos and submit them through the official platform.
Strict Requirements for AI-Generated Films
Entrants must comply with detailed submission rules:
- Length: 7–10 minutes
- AI Generation: At least 70% of content must be AI-generated using Google Gemini tools such as Imagen, Veo, Flow and others
- Language: Any language, but all submissions require English subtitles
- Eligibility: Open to individuals worldwide, with one entry allowed per person
- Theme compliance: Must follow one of the two official story themes
The award specifically requires Google Gemini for video generation, but participants may use other tools for editing, so long as they do not replace the required Gemini-powered processes.
Supporting Data and Copyright Responsibility
Applicants must keep project files ready for review. The organisers emphasise that copyright clearance is entirely the responsibility of the filmmaker, a necessary condition for global screening.
A Global Jury and the Future of AI Storytelling
A panel of experts from technology and cinema will evaluate the films, with jury details to be announced soon. Organisers say the award is designed to empower creators who want to build impactful, innovative narratives that reflect the transformative potential of AI.
The 1 Billion AI Film Award is not only a competition — it signals a major shift in global filmmaking, putting AI-driven storytelling at the centre of tomorrow’s creative landscape.
