Filmfinity, a South African distributor, suddenly called off the theatrical release of the documentary “Melania” just days before its global premiere on January 30, 2026. Melania Trump’s company Muse made the movie, and Amazon MGM distributed it. It tells the story of her life leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Filmfinity said that “recent developments” and “the current climate” led to the decision, and they denied that the government had pressured or censored them.
The pullout comes at a time when tensions between President Trump and South Africa are rising, with Trump saying there is a “white genocide” in the country and threatening tariffs. Directed by Brett Ratner, who denies sexual misconduct allegations from 2017 and is back in Hollywood, the movie has gotten even more criticism. The Film and Publications Board of South Africa said they had nothing to do with the withdrawal.
“Melania” will not be shown in chains like Nu Metro and Ster Kinekor, but it will open in North America on January 29 at the Trump-Kennedy Center, where President Trump will be present. The exclusive video shows private moments from Melania’s move to the White House. Filmfinity’s boss stressed that it was a business decision in light of the situation.
