U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 100% tariff on foreign-made films has drawn sharp criticism from Hollywood professionals, with experts warning it could disrupt decades of international collaboration. Announced via Trump’s Truth Social platform, the policy aims to force film production back to American soil, citing “national security” concerns and the industry’s alleged decline.
Mario Pacheco Székely, a Golden Globe Awards voter and film studies professor, argues the move ignores the inherently global nature of modern cinema. “We need people from different parts of the world—with unique experiences, accents, and perspectives—to tell authentic global stories,” he said. Székely highlighted how international co-productions have driven innovation since the 1940s, from European arthouse films to Asia’s booming streaming content.
The proposal threatens projects shot in popular Asian filming hubs like South Korea and Thailand, where incentives and diverse landscapes attract Hollywood studios. Industry analysts note such tariffs could raise production costs by up to 40%, potentially limiting cross-border partnerships critical to cultural exchange.
While Trump framed the plan as a jobs initiative, critics warn it risks isolating U.S. filmmakers from growing markets in Asia and beyond. “Cinema thrives on shared human experiences,” Székely added. “Walls won’t make Hollywood great—they’ll make it irrelevant.”
