China’s first fully AI-generated feature film to reach theaters has struggled to attract audiences. Produced by Bona Film Group, Sanxingdui: Future Past follows an archaeologist, someone who studies the past through old objects, trying to save a future world controlled by AI. Ticket platform Maoyan estimated sales at $180,000 through Monday, while the film’s budget was $1.5 million.
Bona’s chief operating officer, Jiang Defu, acknowledged the disappointing response but described the film as an important experiment. He emphasized that it was the first to receive permission for a theatrical release and face audiences. Online reactions were mixed: one viewer strongly criticized it, while another praised AI filmmaking’s low costs and creative freedom.
The result contrasts with AI’s rapid growth in microdramas, short stories made for social media. Caixin reports that AI created over 95% of the more than 120,000 microdramas released in China during the first three months of 2026. That share was almost zero a year earlier, and production costs have fallen to as little as $3,000.
University of Southern California professor Stanley Rosen says people generally accept short-form films but remain doubtful about AI use in full-length productions. He believes theater audiences may demand quality comparable to Avatar or Nezha 2, while streaming services could offer another outlet. He expects this film’s losses to encourage greater caution among other filmmakers.
