Melania Trump Documentary Banned in South Africa Sparks Controversy
In a move that has sent ripples through the international film community, the highly anticipated and fiercely debated documentary focused on the U.S. First Lady will not be making its way to South African big screens.
The film, titled “Melania,” was abruptly pulled from the country’s theatrical schedule just days before its planned global debut on Friday, Jan. 30.
According to a report by the New York Times, the local distributor, Filmfinity, decided to scrap the release entirely. Thobashan Govindarajulu, the company’s head of sales and marketing, confirmed the shift to the South African outlet News24, stating that the decision was final.
Based on recent developments, we’ve taken the decision to not go ahead with a theatrical release in territory, Govindarajulu said. While he clarified that the distributor was not pressurized into the move, the “current climate” he cited likely refers to the icy diplomatic relations between Washington and Pretoria.
Tensions have flared following U.S. President Donald Trump’s public criticism of South Africa, where he repeated widely discredited claims regarding a “genocide” against the country’s white population. In response, South Africa has temporarily withdrawn from G20 engagements while the U.S. holds the presidency, highlighting the deepening divide.
The documentary itself has become a magnet for controversy. Directed by Brett Ratner, marking his return to Hollywood following years of exile due to sexual misconduct allegations—the film was a massive $40 million acquisition for Amazon MGM Studios.
MELANIA, the film, exclusively in theaters worldwide on January 30th, 2026. pic.twitter.com/n2kloQ4JwW
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) December 17, 2025
Despite a splashy $35 million marketing campaign that included a takeover of the Las Vegas Sphere, industry analysts at Boxoffice Pro and NRG project a modest $3 million to $5 million domestic opening. The film follows Melania during the 20 days leading up to her husband’s second inauguration, a period she describes as a window into an important period for America.
Jimmy Kimmel recently took aim at the project and its release timing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Referring to claims made by writer Michael Wolff on the “Inside Trump’s Head” podcast, Kimmel suggested the First Lady was frustrated by domestic news cycles.
According to the writer Michael Wolff, Melania is bigly upset that the murders in Minneapolis are overshadowing the release of the $75 million bribe — I mean, documentary — that Amazon made for her, Kimmel joked. He alluded to reports that she was truly pissed off that nationwide backlash over immigration enforcement in Minnesota was draining the film’s publicity.
Beyond the documentary, Melania Trump has remained active in Washington during her first year back as First Lady. She has successfully lobbied for the “Take It Down Act,” which criminalizes the publication of intimate images without consent, and has launched a global version of her foster child initiative, “Fostering the Future.”
She recently made a rare public appearance at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell, using the platform to promote her film. Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, the First Lady has teased a new legislative push, though details remain under wraps.
Amazon is also reportedly planning a follow-up docuseries as part of their record-breaking licensing deal. Critics have noted that Melania maintained strict editorial control over the film, even being involved in the color correction and music selection.
As the film rolls out in over 2,000 theaters domestically, its reception remains polarized. While the President has labeled it a must watch, others view it as an expensive exercise in image management.
Do you think the decision to pull the documentary in South Africa is a fair reaction to political tensions, or should audiences always have the right to see a film regardless of the climate? Please share your thoughts in the comments.