Controversy Surrounds Melania Trump Documentary's Absence in South Africa

Fri Jan 30 2026 05:27:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The documentary on Melania Trump will not be screened in South African cinemas due to undisclosed reasons from the distributor, Filmfinity. This decision coincides with worsening US-South Africa relations.

A documentary titled 'Melania' is set to be released worldwide, but it will not be shown in South African cinemas. The distributor, Filmfinity, has opted out of the release without providing clear reasons. Observers note that the decision aligns with the decline in diplomatic relations between the US and South Africa, exacerbated by recent US policies and remarks. The film explores the events leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration and is heavily marketed by Amazon.

Controversy Surrounds Melania Trump Documentary's Absence in South Africa

Cinemas in South Africa will not be screening the documentary about US First Lady Melania Trump, titled Melania, which is scheduled for release worldwide this Friday. The South African distributor, Filmfinity, has decided against releasing the film, although no explicit reasons have been provided for this decision.

Filmfinity's head of sales and marketing revealed to the New York Times that the film's promotion is absent from the leading cinema chains in the country. An independent cinema in Cape Town reported being instructed by Filmfinity not to list the film in its program.

This decision occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between the US and South Africa, highlighted by recent US political actions and statements. Executive Thobashan Govindarajulu mentioned that the decision was based on “recent developments” and the “current climate,” yet did not elaborate further on these factors.

The documentary, which follows Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to her husband's second inauguration, has been notably backed by Amazon, reportedly during an investment of $35 million for marketing and an estimated $40 million for film rights.

With the continued tensions stemming from issues like tariffs imposed by the US on South African goods and controversial claims made regarding white genocide in South Africa, the reaction towards the film's non-release reflects deeper geopolitical strains.

As the film fails to appear on the websites of major cinema chains like Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro, its visibility in the South African market remains non-existent. Filmfinity's lack of transparency regarding this decision continues to raise questions about the documentary's implications in the context of US-South African relations.