AMC Theatres Will Refuse to Screen AI Short Film After Online Uproar (www.hollywoodreporter.com)

AMC Theatres has decided not to screen the AI-generated short film "Thanksgiving Day," following backlash from audiences concerned about the potential mainstream adoption of AI content in cinema. The film, created by Igor Alferov using AI tools like Gemini 3.1 and Nano Banana Pro, was a winner at the inaugural Frame Forward AI Animated Film Festival and was slated for a national run across AMC locations as part of a collaboration with Screenvision Media, which manages pre-show content for various theater chains. AMC clarified that their decision was influenced by the controversy, emphasizing that they were not involved in the film's production or the screening initiative. This situation is significant for the AI and film communities, as it highlights the tension between innovation and traditional cinema practices. While “Thanksgiving Day” would not have been the first AI film to grace theaters—previous AI shorts from festivals have been shown—the planned nationwide exposure indicated a potential shift in how studios view AI-generated content. The outcome raises questions about the industry's readiness to embrace AI in storytelling, even as filmmakers like Alferov push creative boundaries. Joel Roodman, co-organizer of the festival, expressed commitment to evolving cinematic experiences, suggesting that new venues will accommodate innovative works despite the resistance from established chains like AMC.