1 Billion Followers Summit Invites Global Creators to Enter $1 Million AI Film Award 2027
The prestigious summit opens submissions for its second AI Film Award, celebrating innovative storytelling that harnesses artificial intelligence to explore humanitarian, social and environmental themes of global significance.
The 1 Billion Followers Summit has announced the opening of submissions for the AI Film Award 2027, offering creators worldwide the opportunity to compete for a $1 million grand prize. This remarkable initiative celebrates the imaginative potential of artificial intelligence in cinema, particularly as applied to films addressing humanitarian, social and environmental concerns that resonate across communities globally.
Organised in partnership with BytePlus, the enterprise technology services arm of ByteDance, and supported by TikTok, the award seeks to foster innovative storytelling methodologies and expand the creative possibilities that artificial intelligence presents to content creators. The winning film will receive its announcement during the fifth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, scheduled to take place in Dubai from 8th to 10th January 2027.
Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and Deputy CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, emphasised the initiative’s alignment with the UAE’s vision of establishing itself as a preeminent global hub for innovation, technology and digital economy advancement. She articulated the summit’s role in translating visionary ambitions into tangible opportunities, bringing together creators, technology companies, digital platforms and industry experts within a collaborative environment that encourages experimental approaches and the development of narratives with worldwide reach.
The award particularly celebrates the responsible and innovative application of AI in exploring new forms of creative expression, addressing societal challenges and producing meaningful narratives for global audiences. Long Li, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at BytePlus, highlighted how this partnership reflects the significance of supporting creators and fostering meaningful connections between talent and technology platforms, positioning the summit as an essential global stage for discovering emerging talent and innovative ideas.
Submissions are assessed according to AI integration, storytelling excellence, creativity, aesthetic quality and technical execution across five distinctive themes: Society, Community and Humanitarian Issues; Truth, Fake News and Misinformation; Humans and AI; Climate, Nature and Our Changing Planet; and Human Relationships.
Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age and submit original films ranging from five to seven minutes in duration, formatted in cinematic 16:9 horizontal aspect ratio at 1080p resolution, as MOV or MP4 files. Films may be produced in any language provided they include English subtitles, and creators retain full ownership and copyright of their work. At least 70 per cent of each finished film must be generated using ByteDance’s Dreamina Seedance AI video generation technology, though other AI tools, conventional editing techniques and original live action footage may contribute as supporting elements.
The submission period remains open until 20th November 2026, with the top 10 shortlisted films to be announced on 15th December, followed by the five finalists on 25th December. The finalists will be screened in Dubai, with the $1 million grand prize winner announced during the summit in January 2027.
Source: WAM