China’s first AI-generated film is a flop. Some still see it as the future of cinema

The Guardian UK Tuesday 03 November 2026, 14:32 UTC By Amy Hawkins Senior China correspondent 1 min read

Key Points

Chinese investors placing high value on AI despite unpopularity of Sanxingdui: Future PastChina’s first fully AI-generated movie has flopped, earning just 1.7m yuan (£191,000) at the box office despite costing “tens of millions” to make, according to its producer. The Guardian watched Sanxingdui: Future Past in a virtually empty cinema in Beijing, and found it no worse than plenty of human-centred mindless action flicks.

Chinese investors placing high value on AI despite unpopularity of Sanxingdui: Future Past

China’s first fully AI-generated movie has flopped, earning just 1.7m yuan (£191,000) at the box office despite costing “tens of millions” to make, according to its producer.

But is it any good? The Guardian watched Sanxingdui: Future Past in a virtually empty cinema in Beijing, and found it no worse than plenty of human-centred mindless action flicks.

China (LOCATION) Chinese (ORG) AI (ORG) Sanxingdui: Future PastChina’s (ORG) Guardian (ORG) Sanxingdui (PERSON) Beijing (LOCATION)

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