China’s First AI-Generated Film Flops at Box Office, but Supporters Call It the Future

China’s first fully artificial intelligence-generated movie has earned only 1.7 million yuan, equal to about £191,000, at the box office. The film's producer stated that the project cost tens of millions of yuan to make.

The movie, titled *Sanxingdui: Future Past*, features visuals and some sound effects created entirely by artificial intelligence, while human editors pieced the project together. The plot follows a future society where algorithms and AI make every decision, leading to a global catastrophe that can only be stopped by unlocking a hidden code in ancient bronze sculptures.

Reviewers noted that the characters often moved with the smooth, steady gait of video-game characters and struggled with running. Independent film critic Yu Yaqin in Beijing said the movie flopped simply because it is not entertaining. She added that ticket buyers might also be reluctant to spend about 50 yuan, or £5.60, on a cinema ticket when they can watch similar content on their phones for free.

Despite the poor box office performance, industry professionals believe artificial intelligence cinema in China is only getting started. Yu noted that investors place a high value on AI, meaning these films will continue to be produced in the short term. A screenplay developer in Beijing reported that most projects she has seen recently are for AI films because investors view this technology as the future and a way to lower production costs. A state media commentary suggested that despite its flaws, the film could go down in history as the starting point for what comes next.

Chinese audiences are already familiar with short artificial intelligence-generated microdramas designed for mobile phones. That growing industry is now worth an estimated $3 billion, pointing toward a broader shift in how media is made and consumed.

Summary

Although China's first major artificial intelligence-generated film performed poorly with audiences, heavy financial backing from investors suggests that studios will continue experimenting with the technology in filmmaking.