Cinemas in South Africa will not be showing the documentary about US First Lady Melania Trump, which is scheduled for global release this Friday.
The South African distributor Filmfinity has confirmed its decision not to release the film, though reasons for this choice remain vague, according to statements made to the New York Times and South African news outlet News24. It appears that the film has not been listed on the websites of major cinema chains in the country.
Independent cinemas, such as one in Cape Town, reported being instructed by Filmfinity not to include the documentary in their showings.
The current climate of strained relations between the US and South Africa is suggested to be a contributing factor to the decision. Notably, issues relating to allegations of 'white genocide' against South Africa's Afrikaner community have been a source of contention, alongside trade tariffs and aid cuts instituted by the US.
Filmfinity described its decision to forgo the film's release as being in response to 'recent developments,' although further clarification was not provided.
Meanwhile, Amazon is reported to have invested approximately $35 million in marketing the film, highlighting its financial stakes in what appears to be a contentious release.
