Trump's proposed movie tariffs worry local filmmakers

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — President Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on films produced outside of the United States.

Trump claims film incentives from other countries are "a concerted effort by other nations and, therefore, a national security threat."

Local filmmakers say they are confused and worried that tariffs on movies could have a major economic and cultural effect on the country’s film industry.

Gerardo Fuentes says he does not understand how tariffs against foreign films can solve a national security threat.

“I think it is just ridiculous that this is happening. I think, for lack of a better word, it's also insane," Fuentes said.

President of the Film Association at UTRGV Nikole Salinas says this is also not good economically for the domestic film industry.

“Production doesn’t necessarily mean that we are making it over there, and the economy over there in whatever country is getting the money," Salinas said. "Could be investors from different countries investing in American projects and filmmakers, so cutting that off to limit it here, I feel is detrimental.”

However, Fuentes believes the uncertainty could lead to fewer international movie releases.

“They might not even consider sending them over here because of these tariffs," Fuentes said. "I mean, 100% is insane for, you know, for films. So I see a lot of people being, like, turned off.”

Across the Rio Grande in Reynosa, people are also worried.

Jesus Rocha from the Reynosa Film Fest released a statement regarding the proposed tariffs.

"The international filmmaking community will no longer view the United States as a serious country, but rather as a hostile destination for filmmaking. This will only lead to the United States becoming isolated," Rocha stated.

Salinas believes this is a problem that can happen if tariffs are implemented, which she hopes will not.

“I think it would be a bit of a disservice to completely nix any and all connections to the global market," Salinas said. "In terms of filmmaking, there is a lot of crossover. There's a lot of collaboration to be had.”

Filmmakers also worry about local film festivals like the South Texas International Film Festival (STIFF), which receives several international submissions.

“I can only imagine that maybe some of the submission prices could be raised," Fuentes said. "I hope not. It's so uncertain at the moment."

Organizers of the South Texas International Film Festival declined to comment on the proposed tariffs.