Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Launches ‘20 Years, 20 Visions’ Nationwide Short Film Competition Inviting Students to Imagine the Future with AI

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 7 April 2026 - Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) has launched a nationwide short film competition inviting students across the UAE to imagine how artificial intelligence (AI) could shape the university, its students, and the wider society over the next 20 years.  

With government-mandated online learning currently in place, the initiative provides students with a productive platform to develop creative, digital and critical thinking skills while continuing their education remotely. 

Titled ‘20 Years, 20 Visions: Imagining the Next 20 Years of SUAD with AI,’ the initiative forms a key part of the university’s Year of AI 2026 and its upcoming 20th anniversary celebrations. 

Open to high school students in Grades 10 to 12 and undergraduate university students from a wide range of disciplines, the competition invites participants to produce an original three-minute film exploring Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s journey, its impact, and its future in the context of artificial intelligence and innovation. 

Students are encouraged to envision how AI could transform the university experience, from new ways of learning and researching to the careers and communities shaped by the next generation of graduates. The challenge is particularly suited to students in media, design, AI, technology, and the humanities, encouraging diverse perspectives and creative storytelling.  

The initiative further aligns with the UAE’s national vision and the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which aims to position the country as a global leader in AI while advancing innovation and knowledge-based industries. Through this competition and its wider Year of AI 2026 programmes, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi continues to support national priorities by equipping students with critical thinking skills, creative confidence, and technological and ethical awareness.  

Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said: “As part of our Year of AI 2026, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is strengthening the integration of artificial intelligence across education, research, and creative disciplines. The ‘20 Years, 20 Visions’ competition invites students to reflect on the university’s evolution and its future in an AI-driven world, while engaging with the ethical, cultural and societal dimensions of new technologies. This initiative also reinforces our role in supporting the UAE’s vision for an innovative, knowledge-driven future, while reflecting our continued commitment to enabling students develop critical skills in a meaningful and creative way.” 

Dr Xavier Fresquet, Director of the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), added: “At SCAI, we focus on advancing interdisciplinary AI research, education and collaboration between students, academic teams and industry partners. Through this competition, we are not only inviting students to imagine the future, but also offering opportunities at SCAI, where selected winners will gain hands-on exposure to ongoing AI research and contribute to projects that connect innovation with real-world challenges.”  

Designed as more than a traditional contest, the initiative offers students a recognised, juried project that can serve as a creative and academic stepping stone. Participants will gain exposure through screenings and exclusive access to campus events, while winners will receive official certificates, internship opportunities at the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), access to specialised AI training sessions, and a chance to feature their video on the university’s website for several months.  

Entries are now open to the public and will be accepted until 8 June 2026. The evaluation process will take place from 9 to 15 June 2026, with winners announced on 16 June 2026. Participants are required to submit their films through the competition website, accompanied by a short online form outlining the concept and creative process. Selected works will be screened during the official awards ceremony on 28 October 2026, as part of the University’s 20th anniversary celebrations. 

Creators may use live action, animation, graphics, archival material, or AI-powered tools to bring their vision to life, with submissions evaluated by a multidisciplinary jury composed of senior academic leadership, AI and sciences specialists, humanities experts and creative communication professionals from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. 

Final films will be judged on originality, future vision, narrative strength, emotional impact, technical quality, artistic execution and the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence, as well as their alignment with the university’s core values of multiculturalism, ethics, critical thinking, and future readiness. 

The jury panel comprises Dr Aude-Solveig Epstein, Provost of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi; Dr Rose Marie Ferre, Head of Archaeology and History of Art Department & Associate Professor; Dr Samuel Franklin Feng, Associate Professor in the Sciences and Engineering Department; Dr Xavier Fresquet, Director of the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence; Dr Giulia De Masi, Associate Professor in Mathematics (Department of Sciences and Engineering), member of the AI center & specialist of AI Robotics for Marine Science; Emilie Crocq, Senior Lecturer, French as a Foreign Language, Teaching Making and Directing Movies with AI: A Classical and AI-Enhanced Filmmaking Expert; Marina Rossi, Creative Lead at SUAD; and Tulip Al Harfoush, Senior Specialist in Public Relations, Social Media, and Visual Content. 

With ‘20 Years, 20 Visions,’ Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi invites students across the UAE to take part in a forward-looking creative challenge and share their perspectives on how artificial intelligence will shape the next generation.  

To register and for full submission guidelines, students can visit the dedicated page.