Major cinema chains in South Africa have withdrawn a documentary on United States First Lady, Melania Trump, barely a day before its scheduled international release.
The documentary, titled Melania, was absent from the listings of leading cinema houses Nu Metro and Ster Kinekor on Thursday, despite being slated for release on January 30.
The decision followed an abrupt move by the South African distributor, Filmfinity, to pull the film from theatrical release. According to a statement credited to the distributor’s head of marketing, Thobashan Govindarajulu, the move was influenced by what he described as “the current climate.”
No further clarification was provided on the nature of the concerns, and attempts to obtain additional details from the company were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Nu Metro later confirmed that the withdrawal was made at the request of Filmfinity, noting that the rights to the documentary remain with the distributor.
“The rights sit with Filmfinity, and it is at their request that the film will not be released,” the cinema chain stated.
The development comes amid strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the administration of former US President Donald Trump. Tensions have been heightened by criticism from Trump over several domestic and foreign policy positions taken by Pretoria.
Trump has also repeatedly made controversial claims accusing the South African government of orchestrating a so-called “genocide” against the white Afrikaans community—allegations widely dismissed by authorities—which he has cited in extending invitations for members of the group to relocate to the United States.
South African Cinemas Withdraw Melania Trump Documentary Ahead of Release
