Google, in collaboration with the 1 Billion Followers Summit, has announced the 1B AI Film Award, a global contest providing $1 million (about £740,000 / AU$1.5 million) for the greatest short film created primarily using Google’s AI capabilities.
The conditions are strict: at least 70% of the video must be created by Google AI models like Veo 3, Flow, or Gemini. Other tools may be used for minor editing, but not for main content development. The short films must be 7–10 minutes long, have English subtitles, and explore one of two subjects.
“Rewrite Tomorrow” is an optimistic vision of the future.
“The Secret Life of…” uses AI to bring remarkable, previously unknown stories to life.
Entries are accepted worldwide until November 20, 2025, with the top ten shortlist announced in December. The last five will be chosen by public vote, and they will debut at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai (9-11 January 2026), where the winner will be declared on the final day.
The organisers refer to it as “the largest and most valuable purse for content creation in the world,” with the goal of demonstrating the capabilities of next-generation AI filmmaking.
Also read: Apple Cancels Cheaper Vision Air Headset and Doubles Down on AI Smart Glasses
What this means to creators
Huge visibility: a million-dollar prize combined with a Dubai premiere elevates this event to the worldwide scale.
Limiting tools to Google’s AI suite may force new narrative methods—or reveal their current limitations.
Portfolio power: even non-winners can leave with polished, showcase-ready short films that may lead to other opportunities.
What this means to entrepreneurs
AI film technology is becoming more widespread. We anticipate strong demand for supporting tools like sound design, post-production plugins, and AI rights management.
Follow Google’s lead: this is an intentional attempt to lock creators into the AI ecosystem. Competing platforms are likely to follow suit and launch their own sponsored contests.
A glimpse into the future: creator economies are transitioning from social platforms to full AI production ecosystems. Those who invest early on these creative processes will own the infrastructure of tomorrow.
The AI Film Award website provides all entry instructions and eligibility requirements. AI Film Award’s website.
