China’s AI Attempts to Convert Gay Couple to Heterosexuality in Australian Film, Sparking Outrage Among Viewers

The Australian horror film “Together,” directed by Michael Shanks and starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie, has sparked controversy following its release in China due to significant alterations made to a same-sex wedding scene, changing it to a heterosexual one. The film, which follows a couple facing a mysterious force after moving to the countryside, uses AI technology to digitally swap a male character’s face for that of a woman during the wedding scene. This modification became widely known after screenshots circulated on social media following early screenings on September 12.

Additionally, scenes involving nudity were altered; for instance, steam was added in a shower scene to obscure the male lead’s body. These edits have drawn significant backlash from Chinese viewers, with many criticizing them as disrespectful to the LGBTQ+ community and a distortion of the original creative vision. One viewer noted the unacceptable nature of AI face-swapping in this context, reflecting broader issues surrounding LGBTQ+ representation in China.

In response to the backlash, the film’s Chinese distributor canceled its wide release a day before it was set to debut, citing changes in distribution strategy without providing a new release date. The China Film Administration has not commented on the edits or the use of AI technology in the film.

The incident underscores the ongoing hurdles faced by LGBTQ+ content in China, where, despite homosexuality being decriminalized, heavy stigma and censorship persist. While urban areas like Beijing and Shanghai offer more visibility for LGBTQ+ communities, rural regions remain conservative, pressuring individuals toward traditional marriage. Similar instances of censorship have occurred with other Western films, illustrating ongoing challenges for LGBTQ+ portrayals in Chinese media.