# China’s first AI-generated film is a flop. Some still see it as the future of cinema

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/chinas-first-ai-generated-film-is-a-flop-some-still-see-it-as-the-future-of-cinema/
- Published: 2026-11-03T14:32:54+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T23:05:37+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/nov/03/china-first-ai-generated-film-flops-cinema-future
- Topics: AI, Asia, Culture, Entertainment, Film, Technology, World

## Key points

- China’s first fully AI-generated film earned just 1.7 million yuan.
- Investors still see AI cinema as a low-cost opportunity.
- The country’s AI microdrama industry is estimated at $3bn.

## Summary

China’s first fully AI-generated film, *Sanxingdui: Future Past*, has performed poorly at the box office, earning 1.7 million yuan despite reportedly costing tens of millions to make. Its confusing plot and awkward AI-generated scenes drew criticism, though a reviewer found it better than expected; the result raises questions about whether AI can make cinema audiences pay for a distinctive experience.

The film’s visuals and some sound effects were made with AI, while humans edited it. Industry workers say Chinese investors remain keen on AI projects because they could require far fewer staff and cost less to produce. China’s AI microdrama industry, built around short phone-viewing episodes, is already estimated to be worth $3bn, though some viewers may prefer free mobile content to a 50-yuan cinema ticket.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.