Story perspectives

AI Edits Spark Backlash: Australian Film Pulled in China

9/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

Together, an Australian horror film, was pulled from Chinese cinemas after AI-edit allegations altering a same-sex couple.
Directed by Michael Shanks and starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco, the edits sparked backlash.
Neon condemned the edits by Chinese distributor Hishow and urged cessation of the altered version.
Experts warn AI censorship may enable content manipulation, threatening creative freedom.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1990s, China's film censorship has intensified, particularly after the 2012 implementation of strict laws by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. This led to significant edits of films like "The Handmaiden" in 2016. The recent AI modifications to "Together" highlight ongoing conflicts between artistic expression and government control, raising concerns about the future of creative freedom in China.

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Story summary

Together, an Australian horror film, was pulled from Chinese cinemas after AI-edit allegations altering a same-sex couple.
Directed by Michael Shanks and starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco, the edits sparked backlash.
Neon condemned the edits by Chinese distributor Hishow and urged cessation of the altered version.
Experts warn AI censorship may enable content manipulation, threatening creative freedom.

1 / 2