A scene from 'Plump Blossom.' Handout
MANILA — Writer-director and producer Rosanna Hwang understands why audiences might be skeptical of an animated film made with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). But she hopes they will judge “Plump Blossom” as a film first and an AI-assisted production second.
The Chinese-inspired animated feature has drawn criticism online, with some describing it as “AI slop.” Hwang, however, argues that while AI was used as one of the tools in making the film, the story and its creative decisions remained human.
“I understand the skepticism,” Hwang told ABS-CBN News. “But I believe there’s a difference between generating content and telling a story.”
In “Plump Blossom,” she said, AI did not create the motivations, relationships or choices of Ruo Hua, the food-loving princess at the center of the story.
“It did not decide whom she would love, what she would fight for or what she would ultimately be willing to sacrifice,” Hwang said. “Those were human choices.”
Hwang sees AI instead as another filmmaking tool, particularly for independent filmmakers who lack the resources of major Hollywood productions.
"New technology can give Filipino storytellers the opportunity to create worlds and tell stories that might previously have been beyond our reach. But cheaper and more powerful technology does not automatically create better movies," she said.
“If everyone eventually has access to the same AI tools, then what will distinguish one creator from another will still be imagination, taste, experience, culture, humor and having something worth saying,” she added.
Hwang said the idea for “Plump Blossom” began taking shape after a 2015 trip to China, where her observations of local culture and women inspired a story that had already been “swirling” in her mind. She began exploring animation for the project in 2022.
“Plump Blossom” is her third film, following “The Women of Tonta Club” (2021) and “Isang Komedya sa Langit” (2025).
The film features two love songs performed by Paulina Yu, a Chinoy performer who has appeared in productions of “The King and I” in Broadway, Canada, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, and Paeng Sudayan.
Other cast members include Audie Gemora, who voices the emperor, as well as two pastors from Hwang’s church, who provide the voices of the dog and bird. Hwang worked closely with chief animator Francis Hermoso on the film.
Hwang sees AI as an inevitable part of the creative process, but insists that it should remain a tool rather than replace the people behind the work.
“Creators must remain the creators. The whole process is more human. AI is just a tool,” she said.
What will ultimately distinguish filmmakers, she added, is still their creativity and imagination.
“I’m not asking you to excuse ‘Plump Blossom’ because it used AI, and I am not asking you to ignore its imperfections,” Hwang said. “I simply invite you to watch and experience it as a movie.
“Watch it. Question it and decide for yourself, because AI may help us create the images, but the human being must still have a story worth telling.”
“Plump Blossom” opens in Philippine cinemas on Wednesday, September 23. Hwang said she hopes to eventually produce a Filipino-dubbed version for use in schools.