China's AI-Generated Film Struggles with Ticket Sales

On 23 October 2026, China released its first fully AI-generated feature film, a science-fiction thriller produced and distributed by Bona Film Group. The film opened in cinemas with over 10,000 screenings, but early ticket sales were disappointing, with presale revenue reaching only 80,000 yuan (approximately $11,980).

Jiang Defu, chief executive of Bona Film Group, acknowledged the challenges of entering this new territory, stating they were the first to obtain a theatrical release permit for an AI-generated film. Despite the wide release, audience turnout was low, with reports of only four attendees at an early screening in Beijing.

Viewers expressed concerns about the film's quality compared to human-made productions, indicating that while there is curiosity about AI, audiences are not yet convinced of its ability to deliver a satisfactory cinema experience. The film's production cost exceeded 10 million yuan, raising questions about its commercial viability.