In a joyful atmosphere, Zoubair Gallasi, the director awarded the top prize for the world's best AI-generated film valued at one million dollars, confirmed that Dubai is no longer just a platform for recognition but a global laboratory that reshapes the dreams of Arab creators with a vision that knows no bounds. With a voice blending happiness and pride, the Tunisian creator told 'Emirates Today' after receiving the award during the second day of the fourth 'Billion Followers in a Day' summit, about his film 'Layli': 'Thank God for this historic achievement. I feel an indescribable joy. This accolade is not for me alone, but it's an honor for my family, friends, and all Tunisians and Arabs who believed in my talent and strongly supported me during the voting stage.' He continued: 'Standing on the award stage at the Dubai 'Billion Followers in a Day' summit is a way to give back to every hand that extended encouragement. It's also proof that the Arab creator can compete on global platforms if provided with a nurturing environment, supportive strength, and motivation that the UAE provided me.' Gallasi, who has a career in graphic design spanning over 20 years, said: 'When AI entered our world, I became fascinated with this new technology, seeing it as a means to break the impossible. 'Layli' was not my first attempt; it was preceded by 'A Breath Apart,' which won 10 international awards in the USA, Nigeria, Brazil, Algeria, Turkey, and more. But this award in Dubai has a special taste; it comes at the end of a meticulous review by world experts amid fierce, high-level global competition, making winning it an international recognition of honor.' Regarding the behind-the-scenes of his award-winning film, created in collaboration with Google Gemini, Gallasi pointed to a deep human aspect inspired by his young daughter's doll of the same name. He explained: 'This doll, living with us at home, silently observes our secrets, joys, and sorrows, accurately tracking our diverse human states. Therefore, I wanted to use her to convey a message that daily routine can kill the soul and a direct call to break free from psychological prisons in favor of returning to breathe and renew our human nature. It's true that the film's protagonist entered a physical prison, but psychologically, he actually faced the prison he once lived inside and was freed from it, emerging victorious and certain of his truth.' On the technical excellence that gave him the lead in this leading world award, the Tunisian creator pointed to the fierce competition and professional level of the event, where 12 films reached the finals based on the selection of a jury of world experts, consultants, and content creators. 'I feel indescribable joy after this achievement; the award is for everyone who believed in my talent. 'Layli' is inspired by my little daughter's doll with the same name. 12 films reached the finals based on the selection of a jury of world experts and content creators.' He believes that 'what distinguishes 'Layli' is its different technical style, where I moved away from extreme realism to give the work a unique artistic soul, using advanced tools like 'Veo 3' and 'Banana Pro' from Google exclusively. This raised the work's artistic and narrative level.' Tunisian director Zoubair Gallasi expressed words of gratitude and appreciation to everyone behind the 'Billion Followers in a Day' summit, saying: 'Thank you from the heart. You have opened wide doors to the future and great opportunities we didn't dream of for us Arabs. The UAE dedicating a one-million-dollar award for a film produced using AI technology is a unique reflection of a forward-looking vision of a country that believes the future is made here.' He added: 'Undeniably, holding the summit's events in architectural icons greatly spurred creative ambitions. Moreover, the summit's 'Meaningful Content' slogan was reflected in every detail, making us feel we are at the heart of a global movement that values art and technology together and believes in capabilities.' Tunisian director Zoubair Gallasi revealed a secret related to AI technologies in his award-winning film: 'The 'Layli' that won today is the second version. After noticing the rapid development of technologies, I decided to reshoot it entirely based on the latest version of these technologies to ensure delivering the highest possible quality.' Zoubair Gallasi:
