DUBROVNIK — The ancient Croatian town of Dubrovnik, known for its fortresses and cobblestone streets, often draws crowds of tourists eager to see filming locations from the Game of Thrones TV series and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. However, recent remarks by President Donald Trump about imposing a 100% tariff on all films made outside the United States have caused concern among the entertainment industry and locals in Dubrovnik, who worry that filmmakers might stop choosing the city as a shooting location.

Croatian film producer Igor Aleksandar Nola noted significant disruptions due to the proposed tariffs, adding that film budgets have already been affected by global economic instability. He explained that financing from banks and investment funds for audiovisual projects has been put on hold amid the uncertainty.

Hollywood has long favored Central European and Balkan countries for their striking landscapes, diverse architecture, and lower filming costs. Successful movies or series often turn these locations into major tourist attractions. Tourist guide Ivan Vukovic said that films like Game of Thrones have undeniably transformed Dubrovnik, with about 1,000 people joining themed tours daily. The filming has spurred the opening of souvenir shops and created seasonal jobs for guides and locals involved in production, resulting in a significant economic boost.

Trump has not clarified when these tariffs would take effect, leaving industry leaders uncertain about their impact. At the Cannes Film Festival, which recently began, attendees have maintained a cautious but steady approach following the tariff announcement. Mate Frankovic, mayor of Dubrovnik—visited by roughly 1.4 million tourists annually—expressed optimism that the situation would not cause long-term harm to the film industry or tourism. He said he finds it hard to imagine major US productions excluding important European cities from their filming plans.