Wes Anderson questions Trump's 100% film tariffs during Cannes press conference

At the Cannes Film Festival, held in France, filmmaker Wes Anderson addressed the topic of a controversial proposed tariff on foreign films. During a press conference for his new film, 'The Phoenician Scheme,' he responded to a journalist's inquiry about President Donald Trump's announcement earlier this month regarding a potential 100% tariff on films produced outside of the United States. Anderson shared his bewilderment at the idea of such a tariff, noting he had never encountered a 100% tariff before. He questioned the practical implications and enforcement of this proposal, highlighting the complexity it introduces to the film industry. Anderson made references to his own film, which was partially shot in Germany, and the potential repercussions this tariff could hold for international collaborations in cinema. His comments reflect a broader concern in the film industry, particularly among foreign and independent studios that could face severe economic impacts if such tariffs were implemented. Fellow filmmaker Richard Linklater also shared his skepticism about the viability of Trump's tariff proposal, suggesting it would be counterproductive to harm one of the export industries in the United States. Moreover, Anderson mentioned that he would hold off on giving a definitive opinion until more details about the proposal were disclosed. During the conference, he expressed a desire to better understand how the tariff would function and what it would mean for filmmakers and the economics of cinema production. The discussions surrounding Trump's tariffs and their implications for an industry heavily reliant on international cooperation are particularly relevant at this prestigious festival, known for showcasing diverse global narratives. The festival atmosphere was charged with these discussions, as filmmakers grappled with the implications of the potential tariffs on their work and collaborations with international talents. Trump's administration has hinted at a focus on nationalizing facets of the entertainment industry, generating further dialogues and debates regarding the future of filmmaking in a globalized world where cross-border collaborations have become increasingly common.