Trump's film tantrum chance to invest in local films - actor

South African actor and filmmaker Brandon Auret has called on Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to use US President Donald Trump's 100% tariffs on films made outside of the US as an opportunity to invest in the local film industry.

- Bonginkosi Tiwane

Trump recently proposed a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced content. If implemented, it would apply to locally made films, potentially even productions filmed here and series sold into the US.

"I'm a firm believer in that when the door is closed, jump through the window," Auret said.

Auret, who many South Africans were introduced to when he appeared on the SABC 3 soapie Isidingo as Leon du Plessis, said he doesn't blame Trump for his decision because it's always been much cheaper for foreign films to be made outside of the US.

But he said the decision was sad for the South African industry because not enough films are being made by locals.

"The big money guys have chased the films away. It became too expensive to shoot in Los Angeles," he said.