AI Alteration Drama: Queer Identity Erased in Cinematic Controversy!
- October 6, 2025
Australian filmmaker Michael Shanks has made a striking decision to remove his horror feature Together from Chinese theaters after discovering unauthorised alterations facilitated by artificial intelligence. This transformative manipulation replaced the film’s original queer storyline with a heteronormative narrative—recasting a gay couple as a straight one without the filmmaker’s knowledge or approval. This move stirred public discourse and highlighted ethical concerns within cinematic artistry.
Baffling AI Intervention
In an unsanctioned alteration, an AI meticulously reimagined a wedding sequence. Originally showcasing a same-sex couple, the AI replaced one male with a female in critical scenes. Shanks articulates the surreal nature of the “homunculus face” generated by AI which, despite being a mere five-second segment, compromised the story’s seamless integration. The distortion of representation not only sparked outrage but also cast a shadow on the film’s narrative cohesion, a core component of its artistic integrity.
Unauthorised Edits Shock Filmmakers
The discovery came as a bewildering surprise to Shanks when altered scene images populated his social media feeds, prompting immediate consultations with his production team. The absence of any formal acquiescence to such changes by involved parties intensified concerns. In response, distributor Neon decisively halted all screenings, aligning with Shanks to preserve the film’s authenticity against such interference.
Facing Queer Erasure
Shanks drew a stark line at the violation of queer representation, deeming it a more severe affront than the censoring of explicit content. Emphasizing the importance of authentic representation, he expressed appreciation towards Neon for steadfastly upholding the film’s artistic vision. The experience underscores the critical necessity of authenticity and directorial agency in storytelling.
AI: Beauty or Beast in Film?
Beyond the immediate events, the incident reignited Shanks’ skepticism of AI’s role in creative domains. He voiced concerns that AI not only sidesteps the compensation due to original creators but also dilutes the innate human creativity that fosters compelling storytelling. The Together saga prompts reflection on the direction and use of AI in film, as both Shanks and Neon commit to maintaining the film’s true form—unaltered and uncensored—as it reaches audiences abroad.
As stated in YOUR EX, the episode not only serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving creative expression but also as a warning against allowing technological advancements to disrupt the authentic narratives filmmakers strive to share with the world.