Chinese filmmaker Yuan Chai has created a unique movie titled What’s Next? — a film made entirely using artificial intelligence (AI).
In the past, Chai often struggled to secure budgets for his projects. But with AI tools, particularly the Runway software, he has now managed to produce a full-length film at a fraction of the cost, without using a single camera.
What makes What’s Next? remarkable is that it had no pre-written script or cast. Chai explained that he began by generating short clips through AI prompts:
“I didn’t have a script when I started. I gave the AI generator one command after another, received over 20,000 short videos, and stitched them together. I didn’t sleep for six nights.”
The film uses symbolic imagery — chained women representing gender inequality, monstrous figures and distorted images of money symbolizing capitalism and greed, and apocalyptic scenes highlighting climate change.
Despite relying on AI, Yuan Chai believes storytelling remains central to filmmaking:
“Story is always the most important element. AI is just another tool — like suspense, romance, or other genres — it’s simply a form of cinema.”
Amazingly, the entire film took only one week and a computer to complete, compared to traditional films that cost millions.
Chai sees this as an opportunity for new directors:
“It’s very difficult for newcomers to find investment. AI gives me a way to express my ideas and be noticed.”
The film has already drawn attention — all tickets for its screenings at the Berlinale sold out. While What’s Next? has sparked mixed reactions, it has also generated strong curiosity about the future of AI-driven cinema.
