China has introduced a new approach to filmmaking with “San Xing Dui,” its first fully artificial intelligence-generated feature film to receive a release permit from the China Film Administration. The 100-minute science-fiction thriller entered cinemas on October 23, exploring an ancient Chinese civilization and a future threatened by super artificial intelligence. Directed by Yue Ming and produced by Bona Film Group, the film follows an archaeologist tasked with decoding seven ancient characters to save a future world. The project began in 2022, when the cost of a proposed live-action production rose to between 800 million and 900 million yuan. The production team later gained confidence after an AI-generated short series attracted more than 200 million online views. Working with ShengShu Technology, the filmmakers spent two years refining the feature, creating over 1.2 million base images. Bona Film Group says AI will complement rather than replace traditional filmmaking, helping control costs and explore new creative possibilities. The film has also opened in Malaysia, with overseas releases under discussion in 14 other countries and regions.
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