China’s First Fully AI-Generated Film Opens in Theaters, Faces Weak Early Demand
What Happened
China's first fully AI-generated feature film, Sanxingdui: Future Past, opened in cinemas on 23 October, marking a major milestone for AI-assisted filmmaking. More than 10,000 screenings were scheduled nationwide, but advance ticket sales reached only about 65,000 yuan ($9,700), with total box-office revenue initially forecast below 100,000 yuan, according to ticketing platform Maoyan. The sci-fi film was produced by Bona Film Group, reportedly took more than two years to make, and cost over 10 million yuan ($1.5 million).
Key Takeaways
The film represents a significant technological milestone for China's movie industry, but its early commercial performance suggests that audience interest in AI-generated content does not automatically translate into ticket sales. The project is becoming an early test of whether AI-produced feature films can succeed in mainstream theatrical release.