SAO PAULO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's film industry experts have expressed concerns about the potential impact of a U.S. tariff on foreign films amid its best performing year, marked by an Oscar win for "I'm Still Here" and Best Director and Best Actor awards at the Cannes Film Festival for "The Secret Agent."
Carlos Augusto Calil, president of Cinemateca Brasileira -- the largest film and audiovisual archive in South America -- analyzed the possible effect of the 100 percent tariff announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, noting it could be counterproductive.
He said Trump's announcement is "more rhetorical" than trade-related, reflecting "a kind of half-xenophobic, half-primitive nationalism," since foreign films pose "no threat" to Hollywood.
Calil noted that the United States might even end up "shooting itself in the foot" if it applies the tariff because U.S. studios often film abroad to save money.
"It will backfire because there will be great pressure from the Hollywood industry," he said.
Brazil, like other countries, lacks penetration in the U.S. market, with exceptions like the Oscar-winning film, which is more of an artistic achievement than a commercial one, he said.
The tariff could also undermine the soft power of U.S. cultural diplomacy, often exerted through Hollywood productions, he added.
Patricia Aguiar, president of the Culture, Arts and Events Council of the Federation of Chambers of Foreign Trade, also voiced concerns about the U.S. tariff on foreign films.
"The market for Brazilian films in the United States is relatively small, but the measure could affect future productions seeking international distribution and recognition like the Oscars," Aguiar, also CEO of the production company Realize Productions, told Xinhua.
On the flip side, Aguiar said the situation "could also encourage the diversification of markets and distribution strategies, and strengthen the presence of Brazilian cinema in other regions."
This year's awards "strengthen Brazil's image abroad and demonstrate the country's ability to produce high-quality cinematographic works," she said.
It is difficult to quantify the possible economic impact of the tariff, but "the global market offers enormous potential for the growth of our film production," she added.
To that end, Aguiar stressed the importance of government incentives, distribution strategies and co-production agreements to build and consolidate Brazil's presence in other markets.
"I believe that, through difficulties, we find opportunities for the ever-increasing development of Brazilian cinema," she said. Enditem
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