China’s first fully AI‑generated feature film, “Sanxingdui: Future Past”, finally received a theatrical release permit and entered cinemas this week. The film’s performance is worth watching because it tests whether cutting‑edge technology can attract paying audiences.

According to Jiang Defu, CEO of Bona Film Group, the movie is the first fully AI‑generated feature film in China and the first to obtain a theatrical release permit. Maoyan reported that presale revenue was only 80,000 yuan and the total box‑office forecast is expected to stay below 150,000 yuan, far below the reported production cost of more than 10 million yuan.

Ticket prices ranged from 20 to 90 yuan, yet only a few thousand tickets were bought. Iris Yang, who attended a free preview, said she would not have paid because the film’s quality did not meet her expectations.

Independent AI director Zhang Jun told AFP that the audience will not automatically pay just because a film is AI‑generated. A Weibo user added that if the movie is free on streaming platforms, people might watch it, but they are not ready to pay for a cinema ticket now.

The low ticket sales show that novelty and high production costs are not enough to convince viewers to spend money on a cinema seat. When comparable content is available for free online, audiences are likely to choose the cheaper option.