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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider First AI-assisted local film hopes to get support from cinemagoers

First AI-assisted local film hopes to get support from cinemagoers

Published Aug 25, 2026 05:09 pm
Writer and director of Plump Blossom Rossana Hwang
Writer and director of Plump Blossom Rossana Hwang
Despite the ongoing debate over AI use, the animated film "Plump Blossom" is making its way to local theaters.
During an intimate interview, writer-director-producer Rossana Hwang said that while AI was used, most of the work was still done by people.
"Hybrid siya. Because, from the very beginning, it was human. The storytelling was human. The writing was human. And then, we just directed the AI," Rossana said.
For the cast’s voice-overs, Rossana chose to use real human voices instead of AI-generated ones.
"Pwede naman mag-AI voices. Pero ayaw namin. Gusto namin human,” she added.
While Rossana used AI for the project, she said AI-assisted animation is different from live-action filmmaking.
"Kung talaga live action ang movie, dapat artista talaga. I don’t like the looks of it. Pero for the animation, I think AI is okay,” she said.
The film has been ready for release since March, but Rossana was advised not to release her movie due to the popularity of "The Odyssey" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." 
Both "Plump Blossom" and DreamWorks Animation’s "Forgotten Island," featuring Liza Soberano, H.E.R., and Lea Salonga, are set to hit local theaters on Sept. 23.

"I’m just managing my expectations,” Rossana said, sharing how she sought support from banks, organizations, and members of the Chinese community. 
She also spoke about experiencing rejection and discrimination as an independent filmmaker.
“Nobody’s giving me the break because I’m independent, I’m old, and I’m all these things. They haven’t watched the movie, but they already judged me. But I’m very proud of my work. I’m very proud of the stories," she added.
Produced by Kapitana Entertainment Media, Plump Blossom is an English-language animated musical featuring Tan, Don Puno, Gutch Gutierrez, Chad Williams, Thunderson Tan, Yeng Her, and Audie Gemora.

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