Summary:
A global movie distributor, Neon, has demanded a Chinese company to cease distributing an Australian film called Together after it used artificial intelligence to remove a same-sex couple getting married for Chinese audiences. Neon criticized this “unauthorized” edit, highlighting another attempt by China to censor queer characters in the media.
What This Means for You:
- Content creators should be aware of the potential for AI-driven censorship when distributing their work in China, particularly regarding queer themes and relationships.
- Consumers in China might be interested to know that their versions of films may differ significantly from the original content due to strict media censorship laws in the country.
- Global distributors like Neon need to take a more proactive stance against unauthorized edits that alter the intended message and integrity of the films they represent.
- The use of AI for censorship purposes might become more prevalent, making it essential for filmmakers and distributors to find new ways to preserve their content’s intended message.
Original Post:
A global movie distributor has demanded a Chinese company “cease distributing” an Australian film, after reports it used artificial intelligence to remove a queer couple.
The film Together stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie, who experience supernatural forces that affect their bodies, minds, and relationship.
After screenings of the film in China, audiences noticed that a previously same-sex male couple getting married had been altered, with one of their faces swapped with a woman’s.
The film’s global distributor, Neon, has criticised the alteration of the film in China, seemingly another attempt by the country to censor depictions of queer characters in the media.
On Wednesday, Neon told Hollywood news outlet Deadline that it “does not approve” of the “unauthorized” edit, and had demanded that the distributor Hishow cease distributing the altered version.
It is not the first time that films have been altered for viewing in China, with cuts and edits made to films like Bohemian Rhapsody in recent years to conceal nudity and sexuality.
While it’s been common for the country to edit out characters and scenes, the use of AI appears relatively new.
The 2023 film Oppenheimer was also altered with AI technology in China, digitally adding a black dress to a character to cover her exposed skin.
This media censorship also stretched to newspapers.
Staff working in mainland China exercised self-censorship when translating news stories taken from mainstream Australian media into Chinese for community newspapers, according to the report.
Researchers found the writers feared retribution by the Chinese authorities over any content perceived as negative.
Together was scheduled for general release in China on 19 September. But after the backlash, the film’s Chinese distributor halted those plans without explanation.
Extra Information:
Learn more about Neon’s response to the censored version of Together, and discover how China’s censorship affects LGBTQ+ representation in media in this additional context.
People Also Ask About:
- Why was the same-sex couple removed from the film Together in China? China censored the same-sex couple due to their strict media censorship laws, particularly regarding queer themes and relationships.
- How is artificial intelligence used in media censorship in China? AI technology is used to alter films like Together and Oppenheimer, making character changes or adding clothing to cover exposed skin.
- Has this type of censorship occurred in films other than Together in China? Yes, films such as Bohemian Rhapsody and the 2023 film Oppenheimer have also experienced cuts and edits for Chinese audiences.
- What are the consequences for content creators and producers if media censorship laws aren’t followed in China? Content creators or producers may face penalties and distribution limitations in China if they don’t follow the strict media censorship laws.
- How does AI technology impact media censorship laws in China? AI technology can facilitate media censorship by automating and streamlining the process, making it more efficient and pervasive.
Expert Opinion:
AI’s use in media censorship highlights an evolving and concerning trend in China’s suppression of queer representation. It is crucial for global distributors and filmmakers to advocate for inclusivity and challenge AI-driven alterations, which could set a problematic precedent for future content dissemination.
Key Terms:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Media Censorship
- Queer Representation
- Chinese Film Censorship
- Global Distributors
- Unauthorized Edits
- Together Film
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