The 100% price of Donald Trump on imported films can lead to “Hollywood that exceeds us,” explains Shekhar Kapur | Hollywood
May 05, 2025 11:57
The filmmaker Shekhar Kapur tackled the announcement by American president Donald Trump of the films made outside the United States.
A few hours after US President Donald Trump announced a 100% price on films produced outside the country, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur criticized this decision, saying that it would be prejudicial to American cinema. Shekhar, known in the West for his two films winning Oscars on Queen Elizabeth I, said the move could lead to Hollywood, thinking about a move outside the United States.
Shekhar Kapur criticizes Trump's prices
Taking on Twitter (now called X), the veteran Indian filmmaker wrote: “More than 75% of the Hollywood films box from the United States. And a significant part of the budget of these films is spent outside the United States.”
Speaking of the way in which the decision can harm American cinema, the filmmaker added: “The taxation of President Trump of 100% price on all films imported into the United States can encourage Hollywood to be released from the United States! Completely the opposite of what he wanted. “
Trump announces prices on movies
Donald Trump announced a 100% price on the country's films outside the country on Sunday, saying that the American cinema industry died of a “very rapid death” due to the incentives that other countries offered to attract filmmakers.
“This is a concerted effort of other nations and, consequently, a threat of national security. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda,” said Trump on Truth Social. Trump said that he authorized the government agencies concerned, such as the Ministry of Commerce, to immediately start the taxation process of a 100% rate at all films produced abroad which are then sent to the United States. Neither Trump nor the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, provided details on how the prices would be implemented.
It was not clear if the prices would apply to films on streaming services as well as those displayed in theaters, or if they would be calculated according to production costs or box office income. Hollywood leaders were trying to settle the details on Sunday evening. The cinematographic association, which represents the main studios, had no immediate comments.
About Shekhar Kapur
Shekhar Kapur made his director's debut in Bollywood with Masoom before leaving successes like Mr. India and the Bandit Queen acclaimed by criticism. He made a name for himself in Hollywood with the 1998 vintage film Elizabeth, his sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age and the War Drama The Four Feathers.
(With Reuters entries))
