SA cinemas boycott Melania Trump documentary

South African cinemas have announced plans to boycott Melania Trump’s documentary, which premieres globally today.

Local distributor of international movies, Filmfinity, says it has decided not to release the documentary in South Africa, citing strained diplomatic relations between Washington and Pretoria, driven by disagreements over several international policy positions.

Tensions between the two countries have been heightened by remarks from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that a so-called “white genocide” is taking place in South Africa.

South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is also believed to have contributed to he current diplomatic strain.

The documentary chronicles Melania’s life in the lead-up to her husband’s second inauguration as President of the United States.

While international audiences await the release, Melania Trump says the film offers a personal and creative perspective on a pivotal moment in American history.

“I was very involved in leading the production and choosing the trailer,” Melania said. “For the first time in history, people will witness the 20 days leading up to the inauguration through the eyes of an incoming first lady.

She said the documentary sheds light on what she described as a pivotal moment for the country.

“My new film, Melania, provides a window into an important period for America, the 47th presidential inauguration,” Melania added. “We need stories that inspire dreams, offer hope, and emotionally connect with audiences is paramount.”

MELANIA, the film, exclusively in theaters worldwide on January 30th, 2026. pic.twitter.com/n2kloQ4JwW

— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) December 17, 2025

With the upcoming release of the Melania documentary, which nobody in their right mind will watch, thought I’d repost the time the Slovenian grifter plagiarized Michelle Obama’s speech almost word for word.
pic.twitter.com/gzCXdzZ1Wk

— Canada Hates Trump (@AntiTrumpCanada) January 26, 2026

The Melania movie might be the biggest flop in Hollywood history.

What does that say about Trump’s influence?

America is waking up to the grift. pic.twitter.com/lNyjJ2Kf7i

— Save America Movement (@SaveAmericaMvm) January 29, 2026

They paid Melania Trump $28 million to make a movie absolutely nobody wanted to see. That’s called a bribe, folks

— Liam Nissan™ (@theliamnissan) January 28, 2026

Well looks like Canada isn’t interested in Melania Trump’s movie either.
Opening night across Canada. No seat sales. 🤣🤣
I love this for her. pic.twitter.com/bniucdFqWo

— KNugent4118 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 (@KNugent4118) January 28, 2026

The ‘MELANIA’ documentary has NO POINT.
It isn’t about her authentic self. It isn’t about public service (there’s none).
It just worships Melania and her life of being rich and married to an infantile, uncouth, deeply disturbed, narcissistic, obese, simple-minded dictator. pic.twitter.com/iJDxWfor7E

— Annie van Leur (@AnnevanLeur) January 30, 2026