In brief
The anticipated documentary about Melania Trump, scheduled for a global release, will not be shown in South African cinemas. Filmfinity, the documentary's distributor, has made the decision due to unclear reasons linked to the strained relations between the US and South Africa. The film was set to follow Melania Trump leading up to her husband's second inauguration and received significant investment for its marketing from Amazon.
Cinemas in South Africa will not be showing the documentary about US First Lady Melania Trump that is due to be released worldwide. The South African distributor Filmfinity has decided against its release, although specific reasons for this decision have not been disclosed.
The film, titled 'Melania', is not featured on the websites of major cinema chains in the country. An independent cinema in Cape Town reported being instructed by Filmfinity not to include the film in its listings.
Relations between the United States and South Africa have hit a rough patch over the past year, contributing to this decision. As noted by Filmfinity's Thobashan Govindarajulu, the current climate led to the conclusion to forgo a theatrical release in South Africa.
Recent reporting indicates that Amazon has invested $35 million to market the film, which chronicles Melania Trump's activities in the days leading to her husband's inauguration last year. Additionally, Amazon reportedly paid around $40 million for the film rights.
This decision underscores the complex and deteriorating political landscape between the US and South Africa, marked by various diplomatic disagreements, including President Trump's controversial remarks and policies that have strained bilateral relations.
