AI film debuts in China

The first AI-generated feature film in China, Sanxingdui: Future Past, a science fiction thriller, premiered in theaters on October 23. The film, produced by Bona Film Group, involved nearly 100 humans working for over two years and cost more than 10 million yuan (1.3 million euros).

Low ticket sales reported

According to the ticketing platform Maoyan, over 10,000 showtimes were scheduled for the film's first day. However, presale revenue reached only 80,000 yuan (approximately 10,700 euros) by Friday morning, suggesting the sale of only a few thousand tickets depending on variable pricing.

Producer acknowledges challenges

Maoyan predicts total revenue will not exceed 150,000 yuan (20,000 euros), a small fraction of the production cost. Jiang Defu, CEO of Bona Film Group, acknowledged the lukewarm public reception in a recent interview with Yuli, a media outlet specializing in the Chinese film industry.

Audience feedback mixed

Iris Yang, who attended a free premiere in Beijing for the film's production team, stated she would not have paid for a ticket due to the film's quality. She told AFP, "If an AI-generated creation could equal the cinematic experience of a film like Avatar, then yes, I would be willing to pay."

AI content thrives online

AI-generated content is gaining popularity online in China, with AI-created mini-series on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, accumulating over 200 billion views in September alone. However, Zhang Jun, an independent filmmaker using AI, explained to AFP that the public is not willing to pay for tickets simply because a film was generated by AI.

Public skepticism remains

Chinese social media users appear skeptical about AI-generated films in cinemas, with one user commenting on Weibo, "If it's free on streaming platforms, it could become a cult classic. But paying to watch? People aren't ready for that yet."

AI concerns spread globally

In Hollywood, the rise of AI in cinema has caused concern among professionals. An AI-generated science fiction feature film titled Gods Don't Give Gifts is set to release in the United States on December 4. A virtual actress named Tilly Norwood, whose interviews have gone viral and fueled concerns about employment, is set to appear in a future film titled Misaligned.