Hollywood on Edge: How Trump’s Next Move Sparks Anxiety in the Film Industry

Visitors to the Berlin Film Festival hoping for a break from Donald Trump were in for a surprise. While Trump himself wouldn’t be seen on the Berlinale red carpet, his presence was felt everywhere, especially on screen.

Filmmakers took aim at the 47th U.S. President and his policies. For example, Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17 features characters resembling Trump’s devoted followers, while Michel Franco’s Dreams critiques Trump’s immigration policies through the story of a Mexican ballet dancer crossing the border to be with his girlfriend. Discussions about Trump’s influence on the global film industry became inevitable among industry executives attending the festival.

The looming fear in the film industry is tangible. Many worry Trump could impose tariffs or restrictions that would impact U.S. productions, especially those filmed abroad. It’s become common for filmmakers to shoot outside the U.S. due to rising costs at home.

Josh Rosenbaum from Waypoint Entertainment expressed concern: “Everyone’s asking, is it still safe to shoot in Mexico or Canada? There’s no clarity. It feels chaotic.” The uncertainty extends to runaway productions, where films leverage tax benefits from other countries, potentially robbing American crews of work.

Historically, the U.S. film industry has campaigned for similar tax incentives to keep productions local. In response to increasing competition, California Governor Gavin Newsom suggested doubling the state’s tax incentives for film and television to attract filmmakers back. However, the recent wildfires shifted the state’s priorities more toward rebuilding than subsidizing Hollywood.

In Canada, the Toronto Film Festival is actively planning for these challenges. The festival is set to launch an official content market next year and has already formed an advisory committee with notable industry members. Judy Lung of TIFF emphasized the importance of international collaboration, particularly during these turbulent times.

Censorship—especially self-censorship—has become a growing concern. Director Todd Haynes noted that some people and companies are changing their approach, fearing backlash. “Once you yield, you’re not rewarded for submission,” he warned, reflecting on the nature of power and opposition.

The impact of Trump’s approach on films critical of him is evident in the case of The Apprentice, a biopic that faced hurdles due to opposition from Trump’s camp. The film, which premiered at Cannes and received critical acclaim, struggled to find distribution in the U.S. because of its controversial subject matter. It wasn’t until an indie distributor stepped in that the film was able to reach American audiences.

Shani, a producer for The Apprentice, noted that the film lacks a U.S. streaming deal, highlighting the ongoing challenges for politically charged films. His experience underscores the risks that filmmakers may encounter if they dare to challenge Trump.

With rising tensions around political themes, many in the industry fear that U.S. distributors will shy away from projects perceived as anti-Trump. A European sales agent pointed out the potential fallout, stating that even films dealing with critical issues like immigration might be considered too controversial. The pressure is on as filmmakers navigate the complex landscape shaped by political forces.

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