AMC Theatres Will Refuse To Screen AI Short Film After Online Uproar

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by msmash

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

AMC Theatres has decided not to screen an AI-generated short film, "Thanksgiving Day," after facing online backlash over the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) content in cinemas. The film, created by Igor Alferov and chosen as the winner of the inaugural Frame Forward AI Animated Film Festival, was initially slated for a nationwide screening before feature films. However, AMC distanced itself from the decision, clarifying that it was not involved in creating or promoting the content. The controversy began when news spread that "Thanksgiving Day" would be shown before movies at select AMC locations as part of a national two-week run. Critics expressed concerns over AI's role in filmmaking and its potential integration into mainstream cinema. While AMC did not create the short film, it was revealed that the content was managed by Screenvision Media, a third-party company responsible for pre-show ads across multiple theatre chains. Screenvision, which co-organized the festival with Modern Uprising Studios, confirmed that the AI short would only be shown in fewer than 30% of AMC's U.S. locations. In a statement to *The Hollywood Reporter*, AMC emphasized its lack of involvement in the initiative and clarified that it had instructed Screenvision not to include the film at its locations. This decision highlights the growing tension between traditional cinema chains and emerging AI-generated content, which has sparked debates about the future role of technology in entertainment. For tech enthusiasts, this story underscores both the potential opportunities for AI in filmmaking and the challenges it faces in gaining acceptance within established industries like Hollywood.

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/21/2026