US First Lady Melania Trump featured in new documentary film

Documentary Film “Melania” Set to Debut Amid Controversy Surrounding Trump Presidency

A new documentary film, “Melania,” is scheduled to premiere at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The 104-minute film follows Melania Trump, the Slovenian-American first lady, over a period of nearly three weeks leading up to her husband’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.

The documentary was produced by Amazon MGM Studios and promises to provide “unprecedented access” into Melania’s life. According to Marc Beckman, the film’s producer, the first lady spearheaded the creative direction of the project. The movie highlights various aspects of Melania’s life, including her fashion choices, diplomatic engagements, and Secret Service protection.

The film has been shrouded in controversy due to its large budget and substantial fee for Melania Trump herself, who served as executive producer. Amazon MGM Studios reportedly paid $40 million for the rights to the film, with an additional $35 million allocated for advertising. The company also purchased a related docuseries set for release later this year.

The film’s premiere will be simulcast in 21 theatres nationwide on Thursday for invited guests. It is expected to debut on approximately 1,600 screens worldwide, including about 1,500 in the United States. Melania Trump attended a private screening at the White House on January 24, which was attended by around 70 people.

The film’s advertising budget is notable, with estimates suggesting it will be about 10 times larger than that of other high-profile documentaries. The documentary series is expected to earn around $5 million during its opening weekend in the US and Canada, according to projections from the National Research Group (NRG).

Source: Al Jazeera