‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Director Wes Anderson Questions Trump Tariffs: “Does That Mean You Can Hold Up The Movie In Customs?”

Anthony D'Alessandro

Mon, May 19, 2025 at 11:27 AM UTC

2 min read

Wes Anderson expressed curiosity and uncertainty about President Trump's proposed 100% tariffs on film imports during a press conference at Cannes.
Trump has also suggested a 120% tariff on U.S. productions shooting abroad and receiving tax credits, sparking concerns among filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival.
Anderson's latest film, "The Phoenician Scheme," received a 7½-minute standing ovation after its premiere at Cannes and is set for release on May 30 in NYC and LA.

Wes Anderson, who shot his fourth Cannes premiere, The Phoenician Scheme, at Studio Babelsberg in Germany, was called to the carpet in the press room about his thoughts on President Donald Trump’s suggested tariffs on film and TV imports.

“Tariffs are fascinating. I’ve never heard of a 100% tariff before,” the Oscar winner said. “I feel that means he’s saying he’s going to take all the money, and then what do we get? It’s complicated to me. Does that mean you can hold up the movie in customs?

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“I want to know the details,” deadpanned Anderson, “I will hold off on my official answers.”

Trump has proposed a 120% tariff on those U.S. productions shooting abroad and receiving tax credits. Outside of a handful of #MeToo headlines at this year’s Cannes, tariffs are the hot-potato questions for filmmakers.

On Sunday, Nouvelle Vague director Richard Linklater called B.S. on Trump’s call for tariffs two weeks ago: “That’s not gonna happen. That guy changes his mind 50 times. Film is our No. 1 U.S. export.” He shot Nouvelle Vague in Paris, France since it’s about the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless . He shot his Lorenz Hart biopic Blue Moon in Ireland .

The Phoenician Scheme follows a hysterically corrupt European industrialist, Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), who is wanted by several governments and is constantly on the run from his assassins. Along for the ride his daughter, a Nun in training, Leisl (Mia Threapleton) and his tutor Bjorn (Michael Cera). The Focus Features theatrical release, Anderson’s third with the label, comes out on May 30 in NYC and LA before a wide expansion on June 6. Del Toro’s character is loosely based on Anderson’s father-in-law as well as other European magnates, i.e. Aristotle Onassis.

Anderson’s fourth Competition here at Cannes received a 7½-minute standing ovation after its Palais premiere Sunday night.

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