AI Film Award 2027: Win $1 Million at Dubai Summit

The 1 Billion Followers Summit has officially opened submissions for the AI Film Award 2027, offering a $1 million grand prize to filmmakers and content creators worldwide. The competition invites participants to produce original AI-generated short films exploring social, humanitarian and environmental themes, with applications closing on November 20, 2026. Organised in partnership with BytePlus and supported by TikTok, the award will recognise outstanding artificial intelligence storytelling during the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai from January 8 to 10, 2027.

AI Film Award 2027 Opens Global Applications

The second edition of the AI Film Award aims to encourage filmmakers, digital creators and creative professionals to explore new possibilities in storytelling through artificial intelligence. The initiative brings together technological innovation and human creativity, offering participants an international platform to showcase original cinematic productions.

Organised as part of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the competition reflects Dubai’s growing focus on artificial intelligence, digital media and the creative economy. According to Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and Deputy CEO of the summit, the initiative seeks to discover emerging creative talent while demonstrating how AI technology can support human imagination and meaningful storytelling.

Who Can Apply for the AI Film Award 2027?

The AI filmmaking competition is open to creators worldwide aged 18 and above, including independent filmmakers, content creators and creative teams. Participants must submit original work developed specifically for the award, with films designed to communicate a complete story rather than simply demonstrate AI-generated visual effects.

Applicants must produce a film lasting five to seven minutes, presented in a 16:9 horizontal cinematic format at 1080p resolution. Submissions must use MOV or MP4 format, and films may be created in any language provided they include English subtitles. Creators retain ownership and copyright of their productions, subject to the competition’s licensing and participation terms.

Seedance AI Video Generation Requirements

A key requirement for the AI Film Award 2027 is the use of ByteDance’s Dreamina Seedance technology, which must generate at least 70% of the completed film. Other artificial intelligence platforms, conventional editing software and original live-action footage may be incorporated as supporting elements, provided the minimum Seedance requirement is satisfied.

Participants must also disclose their AI production methods and may be asked to provide supporting evidence of their creative process. The official submission guidelines additionally require the designated award introduction to be included in the finished film.

AI Film Competition Themes and Judging Criteria

Participants must develop their stories around one of five approved themes, covering society and humanitarian issues, truth and misinformation, relationships between humans and AI, climate and environmental change, and human relationships. These categories encourage filmmakers to explore contemporary challenges through original narratives that combine emotional depth with technological creativity.

Films will be evaluated on AI integration, storytelling, creativity, visual aesthetics and technical execution. The judging process places particular importance on narrative quality and the responsible use of artificial intelligence, ensuring the competition recognises cinematic storytelling alongside advanced production techniques.

AI Film Award 2027 Submission Deadline and Key Dates

The final deadline for submitting films is November 20, 2026, after which an international judging panel will evaluate eligible entries. The competition’s first major selection announcement is scheduled for December 15, when the top ten shortlisted films will be revealed and public voting will begin.

The five finalists will be announced on December 25, 2026, ahead of their presentation during the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai. The finalists’ films will premiere on January 9, 2027, with the $1 million grand prize winner scheduled to be announced on January 10.

How to Submit an AI Film for the Dubai Competition

Interested participants can submit their work through the official 1 Billion Followers Summit AI Film Award website. The application process requires creator information, film details, disclosure of AI tools and confirmation of the necessary content rights. Applicants must provide a private or unlisted link to their completed film and review their submission before finalising the application.

The competition is supported by BytePlus, ByteDance’s enterprise technology services division, alongside TikTok, with the initiative designed to connect creative professionals with emerging filmmaking technologies and global audiences.

As Dubai prepares to host the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2027, the AI Film Award offers filmmakers an opportunity to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can expand creative expression. With international participation, a major grand prize and a focus on meaningful storytelling, the competition aims to highlight the next generation of AI-powered filmmaking and digital content creation.