China's first fully AI-generated feature film, "Sanxingdui: Future Past," debuts in cinemas

China has released its first fully AI-generated feature film, "Sanxingdui: Future Past," in theaters on October 23, 2026. This groundbreaking production, which cost over 10 million yuan ($1.5 million) and took two years to make, represents a significant milestone in synthetic cinema, utilizing AI for characters, environments, and dialogue. Despite its technological achievement, early box office results indicate a cautious public reception, with presale revenue at 80,000 yuan ($11,980) and total forecasts below 150,000 yuan.