AMC Theatres Declines to Screen AI-Generated Short Film "Thanksgiving Day"

AMC Theatres has decided not to screen the AI-generated short film "Thanksgiving Day," which won a contest at the inaugural Frame Forward AI Animated Film Festival. The festival announced that the film, created by Igor Alferov, would receive a two-week nationwide run in theaters. However, following public backlash regarding the use of AI in cinema, AMC clarified its position, stating it was not involved in the film's creation or the festival's initiative.

AMC Theaters Reject AI Short Film Following Public BacklashAMC Theatres Pulls AI Short Film ‘Thanksgiving Day’ Following Online OutrageHollywood ReporterVariety Magazine

AMC Theatres issued a statement emphasizing that the initiative was managed by Screenvision Media, a third-party company responsible for pre-show advertising in various theaters across the United States. According to AMC, this initiative operates in fewer than 30% of its locations. The company stated, “AMC was not involved in the creation of the content or the initiative and has informed Screenvision that AMC locations will not participate.”

Hollywood Reporter

The short film "Thanksgiving Day" features an intergalactic narrative about a bear and his platypus assistant traveling through space in a dumpster-like spacecraft. They face challenges, including corrupt space law enforcement and an unconventional food delivery service. Alferov utilized AI technologies such as Gemini 3.1 and Nano Banana Pro to create the film, which has been described as a blend of satire and emotional depth.

Hollywood Reporter

The decision by AMC has sparked discussions within the entertainment industry regarding the implications of AI in filmmaking. Modern Uprising Studios, the festival's organizer, defended the use of AI, asserting that it enhances storytelling and audience engagement. Sverre Norfliet, senior VP of production and strategy at MUS, stated that AI can deepen audience engagement and enrich cultural impact.

AMC Theatres Pulls AI Short Film ‘Thanksgiving Day’ Following Online Outrage

Hollywood actors Matthew McConaughey and Timothée Chalamet recently addressed the industry's need to adapt to the rise of AI. McConaughey remarked, “It’s coming. It’s already here. Don’t deny it,” while Chalamet expressed concerns for artists' rights amidst these changes. The conversation continues about how the industry can balance innovation with the protection of creative voices.

Variety Magazine

Despite AMC's decision, the Frame Forward AI Animated Film Festival plans to adapt "Thanksgiving Day" for Celeste’s Massive Immersive theatrical venues, with the first venue expected to open in New York within the year. The future of AI-generated films in mainstream theaters remains uncertain, as public sentiment is divided on the integration of AI in traditional filmmaking.

AMC Theaters Reject AI Short Film Following Public Backlash

• “AMC was not involved in the creation of the content or the initiative and has informed Screenvision that AMC locations will not participate.” — AMC Spokesperson

Variety Magazine

• “It’s coming. It’s already here. Don’t deny it.” — Matthew McConaughey, Actor

AMC Theatres Pulls AI Short Film ‘Thanksgiving Day’ Following Online Outrage

• “Thanksgiving Day is a masterclass in original storytelling, a wildly inventive journey that balances sharp satire with unexpected emotional payoff, proving that bold imagination with the tools of AI complements the future of animated filmmaking.” — Joel Roodman, President of Modern Uprising Studios

Hollywood Reporter