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What is the story about?
Melania Trump's documentary, Melania, produced by Amazon MGM Studios and co-produced by the first lady herself, chronicles the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, offering what she has described as a rare, behind-the-scenes look at her return to the White House.
In the UK, reports suggest just one ticket was sold for its 3:10 pm London premiere screening, and two tickets were sold for the 6 pm. Later shows, reportedly, are faring better. In South Africa, the documentary has been pulled entirely from theatres after the local distributor cited unspecified "recent developments".
The idea for the 104-minute film, Melania said, came after Trump won the 2024 election. "My new film provides a window into an important period for America," she said earlier this week while ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. "For the first time in history, people will witness the days leading up to the inauguration through the eyes of an incoming first lady."
Despite being a central public figure, Melania Trump has largely maintained a low profile during her husband’s second term. The film seeks to portray her as a private but hands-on first lady, balancing family responsibilities, business interests and official duties such as coordinating the move back to the White House and setting up the East Wing.
According to her adviser and producer Marc Beckman, Melania Trump was deeply involved in every aspect of the film's development. He said the documentary is "not political" and reflects her own creative vision. The film also highlights her policy interests, including child welfare, foster care, online safety and education.
The documentary arrives amid controversy. Amazon reportedly paid around $40 million for the rights and is spending an estimated $35 million on marketing, making it one of the most expensive documentary deals in recent years. The film is directed by Brett Ratner, marking his first feature since he was accused of sexual misconduct in 2017, allegations he has denied.
Melania is rolling out in around 1,600 theatres globally and will later stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. A follow-up docuseries focusing on the first lady’s initiatives is also reportedly in development.
Also Read: Bruce Springsteen sings out against Trump in 'Streets of Minneapolis'
In the UK, reports suggest just one ticket was sold for its 3:10 pm London premiere screening, and two tickets were sold for the 6 pm. Later shows, reportedly, are faring better. In South Africa, the documentary has been pulled entirely from theatres after the local distributor cited unspecified "recent developments".
The idea for the 104-minute film, Melania said, came after Trump won the 2024 election. "My new film provides a window into an important period for America," she said earlier this week while ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. "For the first time in history, people will witness the days leading up to the inauguration through the eyes of an incoming first lady."
Despite being a central public figure, Melania Trump has largely maintained a low profile during her husband’s second term. The film seeks to portray her as a private but hands-on first lady, balancing family responsibilities, business interests and official duties such as coordinating the move back to the White House and setting up the East Wing.
According to her adviser and producer Marc Beckman, Melania Trump was deeply involved in every aspect of the film's development. He said the documentary is "not political" and reflects her own creative vision. The film also highlights her policy interests, including child welfare, foster care, online safety and education.
The documentary arrives amid controversy. Amazon reportedly paid around $40 million for the rights and is spending an estimated $35 million on marketing, making it one of the most expensive documentary deals in recent years. The film is directed by Brett Ratner, marking his first feature since he was accused of sexual misconduct in 2017, allegations he has denied.
Melania is rolling out in around 1,600 theatres globally and will later stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. A follow-up docuseries focusing on the first lady’s initiatives is also reportedly in development.
Also Read: Bruce Springsteen sings out against Trump in 'Streets of Minneapolis'
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