China held a test screening of its first fully AI-generated animated film, “The Reunion Journey,” in Beijing. The movie tells the story of panda siblings Tuan Zai and Yuan Niu, highlighting themes of separation, reunion, and family from a global perspective.
Produced by China Media Group, Beijing New Film Union Films, and partners, the film leverages AI-generated content (AIGC) and CMG’s large media model. The technology accelerated production, cutting the usual three- to five-year timeline for animated features to just one year.
Audiences praised the film for its realistic fur textures, facial expressions, and detailed scenes, demonstrating the growing sophistication of AI in animation. Director Ma Teng said production challenges like lighting, transitions, and hair textures were addressed dynamically with AI tools, providing viewers with a novel cinematic experience.
The film’s release marks a milestone in AI application in Chinese media, emphasizing both technological innovation and cultural storytelling. The debut also reflects China’s broader AI adoption, as generative AI startups like MiniMax and Zhipu AI reveal modest revenues and growing losses ahead of potential Hong Kong IPOs, highlighting the evolving economics of AI investment in the country.
