In a significant development within the entertainment industry, AMC Theatres has declared it will not proceed with showing the AI-generated short film, 'Thanksgiving Day,' across its venues. This action follows a wave of online disapproval and debate concerning the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in creative fields, particularly within the cinematic experience. The film, which emerged as the victor in the inaugural Frame Forward AI Animated Film Festival, was originally intended for a prominent two-week national exhibition, a key component of its prize package.
The controversy ignited earlier this week upon the announcement that Igor Alferov's 'Thanksgiving Day' would be screened nationwide. This sparked considerable discussion on social media platforms, where many expressed their reservations about movie theater chains, specifically AMC, incorporating AI-produced content into their programming. The core of the concern revolved around the broader implications of AI's expanding role in filmmaking and its potential impact on traditional creative processes and employment within Hollywood.
It was subsequently clarified that the selection and programming of 'Thanksgiving Day' were not directly handled by AMC but rather by Screenvision Media, a third-party entity responsible for managing the pre-feature advertising and content for numerous cinema chains. Screenvision Media's role involves curating the roughly 20-minute pre-show segment that precedes main features. This clarification highlighted that the film's intended distribution was not exclusive to AMC, as Screenvision serves various exhibitors.
Responding to inquiries from The Hollywood Reporter regarding the growing dispute, AMC issued a statement on Thursday. The company emphasized its lack of involvement in the creation of the AI film or the initiative behind its distribution. Crucially, AMC informed Screenvision that its locations would no longer participate in screening 'Thanksgiving Day.' The short film itself, described as featuring a bear and his platypus companion navigating the galaxy in a dumpster-like spacecraft, utilizes AI tools such as Gemini 3.1 and Nano Banana Pro for its creation.
While AI-generated content has seen limited screenings in specialized contexts, such as the Runway's 2025 AI Film Festival shorts in IMAX theaters, 'Thanksgiving Day' would have marked a significant step as potentially the first narrative AI film to achieve widespread national theatrical release. This development underscores the ongoing tension and debate surrounding the adoption of artificial intelligence in conventional Hollywood spaces, challenging established norms and prompting industry stakeholders to reassess their approach to emerging technologies.