U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 100 percent tariffs on all films produced outside the United States, a move that could heavily impact the Canadian film industry. Trump claimed the U.S. movie industry is declining due to foreign incentives drawing filmmakers abroad, labeling this a national security threat.
The Canadian Media Producers Association warned the tariffs could cause significant economic disruption on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border, particularly affecting Toronto and Vancouver—major filming hubs known as “Hollywood North.” Toronto’s film industry employs 30,000 people and generated \$1.8 billion in economic activity in 2023, with numerous blockbuster films shot in the city.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and B.C. Premier David Eby expressed concern over the tariffs’ potential devastation and the complexity of their implementation. The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and industry leaders have criticized the tariffs, highlighting uncertainty and the chilling effect on production and investment.
Despite challenges, industry professionals like award-winning filmmaker Aisha Evelyna see the situation as an opportunity to foster a more self-sustainable Canadian film industry, emphasizing the country’s diverse talent and markets.
Swifteradio.com
