Cinemas in South Africa will not be showing the documentary about US First Lady Melania Trump that is due to be released around the world on Friday.
The South African distributor Filmfinity has decided not to release it, its head of sales and marketing told the New York Times and South Africa-based website News24. The company was not explicit about the reasons behind the move.
The film, 'Melania', is not promoted on the websites of the country's main cinema chains. One Cape Town independent cinema contacted by the BBC said that they were informed by Filmfinity not to list it.
Relations between the US and South Africa have seriously deteriorated over the past year. Recent developments in the political landscape may have influenced this decision.
Amazon has reportedly invested $35 million in marketing the film, which chronicles Melania Trump in the 20 days leading up to her husband's second inauguration on January 20. This significant financial commitment underscores the film's anticipated release, yet its absence in South Africa raises questions regarding censorship and diplomatic tensions.
The decision was made based on the 'current climate', according to Filmfinity's Thobashan Govindarajulu, although specific details were not provided. Furthermore, efforts by the BBC to gather insights from Filmfinity were unsuccessful.
With the film's lack of scheduled showings in major cinema chains, its release in South Africa stands as a potential indicator of wider implications for cultural expressions, particularly those linked to politically charged figures.
