Peter Chan Rules Out AI-Generated Content, Says Feature Films Will Survive the Rise of Vertical Dramas
Peter Chan Ho-sun says he may use AI as a filmmaking tool, but rules out AI-generated content, arguing that movies remain an art made by people. He also believes feature films will survive the growth of short-form and vertical dramas, which he sees as thriving alongside long-form entertainment.
At a Singapore International Film Festival discussion, Chan pointed to CGI and special effects as examples of technology that can help filmmakers, while saying AI cannot know art. His latest film, *The Road Not Taken*, centres on a couple facing divorce after the wife develops early-onset Alzheimer’s, and explores wider family tensions. Chan also reflected on the 30th anniversary of *Comrades: Almost a Love Story*, which he said sustained his film career for decades.
In short
- Chan may use AI tools but rejects AI-generated content.
- He expects feature films to endure alongside vertical dramas.
- His latest film explores Alzheimer’s and family relationships.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Chan’s position rests on the idea that film’s artistic meaning comes from human judgement, experience and relationships, which AI can assist but not replace. Feature films also offer room for sustained storytelling and emotional development, so they can retain an audience even as vertical dramas grow.
The case against
AI-generated material could be treated as another creative tool, allowing filmmakers to experiment, reduce costs or realise ideas that would otherwise be difficult to produce. Short-form and vertical dramas may also better suit changing viewing habits, making it reasonable to question whether feature films will keep their present place alongside them.
Explained simply
Peter Chan Ho-sun is a Hong Kong film director and producer whose work includes feature films such as Comrades: Almost a Love Story. Feature films tell a story over a longer running time, while vertical dramas are short episodes made to be watched on a phone held upright.
Filmmakers have long used tools such as computer-generated imagery and special effects to create scenes. Artificial intelligence is a newer set of technologies that can generate or alter images, sound and text, raising questions about how much creative work should be done by people or by machines.
The debate matters to audiences and the film industry as viewing habits and production tools change. Chan’s films often centre on relationships and family life, subjects that can be explored in both long films and shorter formats.
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