The specter of Donald Trump looms large over the upcoming 2025 Cannes Film Festival, casting a shadow that extends far beyond the controversial portrayal of his early years in Ali Abbasi’s "The Apprentice," which competed at the 2024 festival. This year, the focus shifts from Trump’s on-screen representation to the potential real-world impact of his proposed 100% tariffs on "foreign films," a policy that has sent shockwaves through the global film industry and threatens to upend the established order of Hollywood and international cinema.
As producers, directors, actors, agents, and distributors converge on the French Riviera for screenings and the film market, where countless projects seek financing and distribution, the conversation will undoubtedly revolve around the ramifications of these proposed tariffs. The specifics of the plan remain vague, but the primary target appears to be American productions that opt to film in Europe, Oceania, or Canada, locations that offer attractive tax incentives. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Trump will follow through with a measure that could destabilize the entire Hollywood ecosystem.
The independent film sector, heavily reliant on co-productions, stands to be particularly vulnerable. Similarly, distributors like Mubi and Neon, known for acquiring award-winning international films such as "Parasite" and "Anatomy of a Fall," could face significant challenges. The specialized industry website Deadline has declared an "industry red alert," quoting numerous Cannes market regulars who express deep concern.
A European sales agent told Deadline, "What a bomb to drop on the eve of Cannes! The mere possibility of tariffs creates unnecessary uncertainty for the American market, which was just beginning to show encouraging signs of recovery after the strikes." The agent went on to warn that while Trump’s policies have already impacted sales in China, these tariffs could shrink the entire global market. Buyers may be hesitant to pay minimum guarantees if films are subject to tariffs, affecting distribution agreements and impacting the financial backers who invest in cinema, as their films would suddenly be worth less.
The head of a major American production company echoed these concerns, stating, "We will no longer be able to produce films with the same budgets, actors will not receive the same salaries. It will destroy the independent sector."
Reports suggest that Trump’s interest in this issue was piqued after spending a weekend with Jon Voight, one of his staunch supporters in Hollywood. Voight, star of "Midnight Cowboy," reportedly advocated for federal tax credits (a solution favored by studios) and co-production treaties with foreign countries, only suggesting the use of tariffs in a "limited" capacity.
This potential intervention in the American film industry raises the question of whether it will spark political statements on the Croisette. At the Oscars in March, nominees and winners were noticeably discreet, seemingly hesitant to address political issues despite Trump’s attacks on studio diversity programs. However, Cannes may prove to be a different stage.
Robert De Niro, who will receive an honorary Palme d’Or, is expected to attend the festival. The 81-year-old actor has previously described Trump as the embodiment of "absolute evil" and a "clown." In response, Trump has claimed that De Niro suffers from a "derangement syndrome." Furthermore, De Niro recently voiced his support for his transgender daughter, a direct contrast to Trump’s policies that target transgender rights.
Another figure to watch is Spike Lee, who will screen his thriller "Highest 2 Lowest" out of competition. In 2018, Lee used his platform at Cannes to vehemently denounce Trump, criticizing his response to the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazis.
The festival is expected to draw a significant contingent of American stars, including prominent members of the younger generation who have been vocal in their political views. Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson, and Pedro Pascal are all expected to attend. Pascal, in particular, has been a vocal supporter of the trans and LGBTQ+ community.
The presence of these outspoken celebrities, coupled with the looming threat of Trump’s tariffs, sets the stage for a politically charged Cannes Film Festival. While the film industry grapples with the potential economic consequences of the proposed policies, the festival may also serve as a platform for artists and industry figures to express their views and challenge the status quo.
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is poised to be more than just a celebration of cinema. It will be a forum for debate, a stage for political expression, and a crucial moment for the film industry to address the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. The shadow of Donald Trump, once confined to the silver screen, now looms over the entire event, transforming it into a battleground for the future of Hollywood and international film. The actions taken and statements made at Cannes could have far-reaching consequences, shaping the direction of the industry for years to come. The world will be watching to see how the film community responds to this unprecedented challenge.
