‘Melania’ Documentary Pulled From Every South African Cinema

The planned theatrical release of “Melania,” a documentary centered on First Lady Melania Trump, has been abruptly canceled across South Africa — removing the film from every cinema in the country.

The documentary had already cleared South Africa’s normal classification and regulatory process and secured bookings with major theater chains. But on Wednesday, distributor Filmfinity suddenly pulled the plug, scrapping all scheduled screenings.

No official explanation has been offered, though insiders said concerns about the film’s political subject matter — and how South African audiences might respond — played a role in the decision.

Filmfinity, which had planned to release the film on Friday, confirmed it had canceled the theatrical premiere but did not provide further details.

Citing “recent developments,” Thobashan Govindarajulu, Filmfinity’s head of sales and marketing, said the company decided not to proceed with a theatrical release in the country.

He added that the distributor was not pressured or asked to withdraw the film. “That was our decision,” Govindarajulu said.

Directed by Brett Ratner and backed by Amazon MGM Studios, “Melania” has faced controversy in other markets as well, driven by its political focus and Ratner’s past sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, contributing to a mixed international reception.

As The New York Times reports:

The promotion of the film about Melania Trump has been as polarizing as her husband, President Trump, who has touted the movie as a “must watch.” But theaters have reported thin advanced ticket sales, despite Amazon investing $40 million for the rights to the film and spending tens of millions more on marketing, which industry analysts saw as a big risk.

The film, which follows Ms. Trump in the weeks before her husband’s second inauguration, has also drawn criticism because of its director, Brett Ratner. The documentary is Mr. Ratner’s first Hollywood film since he was accused of sexual misconduct in 2017, during the height of the #MeToo movement.

The decision to withdraw the film in South Africa comes amid heightened tensions between the South African government and President Trump. Since returning to office, Trump has sharply criticized the country and raised concerns about violence and discrimination affecting South Africa’s white minority — claims South African officials have disputed.

The Times continues:

Many South Africans have grown angry with what they see as Mr. Trump’s promotion of misinformation about their country, and with the punishing tariffs he has introduced.

It is unclear whether icy relations between South Africa and the United States, low ticket sales, or something else led to the decision by Filmfinity to cancel the film’s release. But the choice came abruptly.

Importantly, the film has not been fully banned in South Africa. It remains available on streaming and video-on-demand platforms, even as theaters steer clear.

The documentary explores the 20 days leading up to Melania Trump’s appearance at her husband’s second presidential inauguration. It officially premieres nationwide in the U.S. on Friday.

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