{
  "id": 16156253,
  "title": "China's first AI film hits cinemas but ticket sales lag",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/chinas-first-ai-film-hits-cinemas-but-ticket-sales-lag",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-23T05:39:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-first-ai-film-cinemas-ticket-sales-6485401"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "China's inaugural AI-generated feature film, \"Sanxingdui: Future Past,\" premiered on October 23rd in theaters, marking a significant milestone for the country's technological prowess. However, the film's box office performance has been disappointing, with advance ticket sales lagging significantly. The movie, costing over 10 million yuan (approximately US$1.5 million) and featuring a cast of nearly 100 individuals, took more than two years to complete. Despite the substantial investment, ticket presales amounted to just 65,000 yuan (around US$9,700) as of Thursday evening, with total box office earnings forecasted to remain below 100,000 yuan. Production company Bona Film Group's CEO, Jiang Defu, acknowledged the film's unconventional nature and the initial lukewarm response, emphasizing that it was the first AI-generated film to receive a theatrical release permit and face public scrutiny. Despite the film's innovative approach, audience members like Iris Yang, who attended a free preview, expressed skepticism about paying for the film, stating that they would only do so if the AI-generated content matched the quality of blockbuster animations like Avatar. AI-generated video content has gained substantial traction in China, particularly on platforms like Douyin, where AI-generated short dramas amassed over 200 billion views in September. However, experts argue that audience acceptance of AI-generated films is contingent upon achieving a cinematic experience comparable to industry standards. Online reactions on Chinese social media platforms have been mixed, with many questioning the willingness of the public to pay for AI-generated movies, especially when free streaming alternatives are readily available. The launch of AI-generated films in Chinese cinemas highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, yet underscores the challenges of translating technological innovation into lucrative box office success.",
  "summary": "Nearly 100 people took more than two years to make the film, which cost more than 10 million yuan (US$1.5 million).",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "China’s first AI-generated film hits cinemas amid weak sales",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/chinas-first-ai-generated-film-hits-cinemas-amid-weak-sales",
        "published": "2026-10-23T06:02:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}