At the 1 Billion Followers Summit, a historic moment for artificial intelligence and global cinema unfolded when Lily , a short film by Tunisian filmmaker Zoubeir Jlassi, won the inaugural Google AI Film Award, carrying a prize of 1m. It was a landmark moment not only for the emerging field of AI-driven filmmaking, but also for Africa's growing presence in advanced creative technologies.
The award signals a decisive shift in how cinema is made and understood. Artificial intelligence, long viewed as a background tool for editing or effects, has now stepped fully into the creative spotlight as a genuine collaborator in storytelling. Lily demonstrates that AI can be used to produce work of emotional depth and artistic sophistication, capable of standing alongside traditional film at the highest level.
A global stage for the creator economyThe 1 Billion Followers Summit is one of the world's largest gatherings focused on the creator economy, digital storytelling and emerging technologies. It brings together content creators, filmmakers, technology innovators, AI researchers, global brands and cultural leaders who are shaping how influence and creativity evolve in the digital age. Positioned at the intersection of technology, culture and commerce, the summit provided a fitting platform for the unveiling of a world-first AI film award of this scale.
