Melania movie pulled from SA cinemas – What we know

Melania Trump

Johannesburg – The upcoming documentary Melania, which follows former First Lady Melania Trump ahead of her husband’s second inauguration, will not be released in South African cinemas, local distributor Filmfinity announced on Wednesday.

“Based on recent developments, we’ve taken the decision to not go ahead with a theatrical release in territory,” said Thobashan Govindarajulu, Filmfinity’s head of sales and marketing.

He declined to specify the reasons, adding that the decision was made independently and without external pressure.

The film, directed by Brett Ratner — his first Hollywood project since sexual misconduct allegations in 2017 — has faced criticism and weak advance ticket sales, despite Amazon investing $40 million for distribution rights and marketing.

Observers note that the cancellation comes amid tense relations between South Africa and former President Donald Trump, who has been critical of the country and imposed tariffs, though it remains unclear whether political tensions influenced Filmfinity’s decision.

Ster-Kinekor CEO Mark Sardi, representing one of South Africa’s major theater chains, said the film had met all local regulatory requirements.

“Our basic position would be we’re not in the business of censorship,” he said, adding the decision likely involved commercial considerations amid broader current issues.

The Film and Publications Board confirmed it was not involved in or aware of the cancellation.

President Donald Trump has been outspoken in his criticism of South Africa, claiming the country is committing a “white genocide” and targeting white Afrikaner farmers.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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