U.S. President Trump has announced a controversial plan to impose a 100% tariff on all imported foreign-made films, a move that has sparked concern within the film industry. Announcing on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that he has instructed the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to take this action in response to what he perceives as the decline of the U.S. film industry.
Trump argues that other countries are luring American film productions overseas by offering various incentives, which he believes poses a threat to U.S. national security. He called for “making movies again in America,” emphasizing the need to bring film production back to U.S. soil.
Mario Pacheco Székely, an American film and television journalist, writer, film studies professor, and voting member of the Golden Globe Awards, has expressed concern over this proposal. Székely highlights that the film industry has been a product of global collaboration since the 1940s, with international co-productions becoming the norm across continents—from Europe to Asia, and from Latin America to New Zealand.
“We need people from different parts of the world, with different experiences, accents, colors of the skin, and even different ways to cook or build, to truly tell global stories,” Székely said.
He fears that imposing such a tariff could harm the rich cultural exchange that has been integral to filmmaking for decades. By restricting foreign films and discouraging international partnerships, the proposed tariff could limit the diversity and creativity that global collaboration brings to the industry.
The proposed tariff has raised questions about its impact on both the American and international film communities. Industry insiders worry that it could lead to increased production costs, limit access to diverse stories and perspectives, and strain relationships with international partners.
As the debate continues, many in the film industry are calling for policies that support global collaboration rather than hinder it. They argue that embracing international cooperation enriches the cinematic experience and contributes to a more connected and understanding world.
