Cinemas in South Africa have decided not to show the upcoming documentary about former First Lady Melania Trump, set to release globally this Friday. Filmfinity, the film's South African distributor, announced its decision to forgo the release, not specifying the reasons but alluding to the 'current climate' in relations with the US. This documentary, which chronicles Melania's life during the critical weeks before her husband's second inauguration, has stirred controversy, particularly in light of the deteriorating diplomatic ties between the US and South Africa.
Negotiations for the film’s distribution hit a snag when it was revealed that the film is not even listed by major cinema chains like Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro. Some independent cinemas, such as those in Cape Town, reported that they were instructed by Filmfinity not to include the film in their listings. This stark absence from South African cinema schedules reflects a deeper unease — particularly sparked by ongoing tensions surrounding statements made by Donald Trump regarding South Africa.
Despite Amazon investing heavily in the film to the tune of $40 million for its rights and an additional $35 million for marketing, the documentary's release in South Africa has become a politically charged issue. Filmfinity’s spokesperson, Thobashan Govindarajulu, did not elaborate on what recent developments influenced the decision, further fueling speculation about the implications of US foreign policy on cultural exchanges. As strains continue over various diplomatic issues, including allegations from Trump about a supposed 'white genocide' in South Africa, the film's absence raises questions on how politics might shape the entertainment landscape.
Negotiations for the film’s distribution hit a snag when it was revealed that the film is not even listed by major cinema chains like Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro. Some independent cinemas, such as those in Cape Town, reported that they were instructed by Filmfinity not to include the film in their listings. This stark absence from South African cinema schedules reflects a deeper unease — particularly sparked by ongoing tensions surrounding statements made by Donald Trump regarding South Africa.
Despite Amazon investing heavily in the film to the tune of $40 million for its rights and an additional $35 million for marketing, the documentary's release in South Africa has become a politically charged issue. Filmfinity’s spokesperson, Thobashan Govindarajulu, did not elaborate on what recent developments influenced the decision, further fueling speculation about the implications of US foreign policy on cultural exchanges. As strains continue over various diplomatic issues, including allegations from Trump about a supposed 'white genocide' in South Africa, the film's absence raises questions on how politics might shape the entertainment landscape.
