The 78th Cannes Film Festival, a beacon of cinematic excellence, is set to unfold from May 13-24, 2025, but the glittering event is shrouded in uncertainty due to President Donald Trump’s recent tariff proposals, per dw.com. While Hollywood heavyweights like Wes Anderson, Spike Lee and Diane Kruger prepare to showcase their latest works, the specter of a global trade war threatens to overshadow the festivities.
Trump’s announcement of a 100% tariff on “foreign-made films” and penalties for US studios shooting abroad has sent shockwaves through the film industry. The specifics, outlined by actor Jon Voight, include tax incentives for US-based productions and a “cultural test” for films, potentially disrupting the production of independent films and hindering international collaborations.
Many of the highly anticipated American films premiering at Cannes fall directly into the target zone. Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” filmed across various international locations, Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme,” shot in Germany, and Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague,” filmed in Paris, all face potential repercussions. Even Ari Aster’s “Eddington,” while filmed in the US, could face scrutiny due to its politically charged plot.
Despite the looming trade war, the festival boasts a stellar lineup. Kelly Reichardt’s “The Mastermind,” Jafar Panahi’s “Un Simple Accident,” and Julia Ducournau’s “Alpha” are among the competition entries. German director Mascha Schilinski will also premiere “Sound of Falling.” Out of competition, Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest,” starring Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky, and Fatih Akin’s “Amrum,” featuring Diane Kruger, are generating buzz.
Directors like Scarlett Johansson and Harris Dickinson will also debut their directorial efforts, while documentaries like “Militantropos” and “The Disappearance of Joseph Mengele” will provide historical and contemporary context. Sebastián Lelio’s “The Wave” will also premiere.
