China's first AI-generated film faces low ticket sales

China's first fully AI-generated feature film, a sci-fi thriller titled ‘Sanxingdui: Future Past’, has begun its theatrical release across the country. Despite being scheduled for over 10,000 screenings on its opening day, the film is facing significant commercial challenges due to low audience interest.

Produced by Bona Film Group with a budget of approximately 10 million yuan ($1.5 million), the project involved nearly 100 experts over a two-year production period. However, presale revenue reached only 65,000 yuan, and total box office earnings are projected to remain below 100,000 yuan, a small fraction of the production costs.

The film features entirely AI-generated characters and visual elements, centered on the archaeological mystery of the Sanxingdui civilization. While the technology represents a milestone for the industry, early viewers have criticized the visual quality. Some audience members noted that the AI-generated experience does not yet match the high standards of major animated franchises like ‘Avatar’.

Jiang Defu, CEO of Bona Film Group, acknowledged the difficulty of being the first to test this technology in a theatrical setting, noting that the release serves as a significant test for China's tech and film industries.