Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s documentary, Cookie Queens, is set to release in theaters on Friday, following its debut at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Directed by Alysa Nahmias, the film portrays a group of Girl Scouts during their cookie-selling season, highlighting lessons in entrepreneurship, leadership, and resilience.
Meghan shares a personal connection to the project. Her experiences as a Girl Scout and as a mother of Princess Lilibet provide a meaningful perspective. “It’s a huge moment for them,” said Afua Hagan, a royal commentator. Hagan noted the importance of ratings for the film’s success.
Why It Matters
Cookie Queens is significant as it is the first theatrical release produced by Meghan and Harry through Archewell Productions. It follows a decline in viewership for their recent Netflix projects compared to their debut docuseries, Harry & Meghan. Success in theaters could prove the couple’s capacity to attract audiences beyond Netflix. Alternatively, box office struggles might suggest ongoing challenges for Sussex-produced content.
The documentary captures the journey of four Girl Scouts across America during a six-week cookie-selling period. The film presents the girls’ experiences as emblematic of broader themes in childhood, family life, and societal pressures.
Cookie Queens
The documentary introduces viewers to several Scouts, such as Olive, a 12-year-old from North Carolina who has sold over 8,000 boxes in a season, and Nikki, a 9-year-old aspiring to become her area’s “cookie queen” like her sister. Texas native Shannon Elizabeth, aged 8, hopes to earn a ticket to cookie camp, while 5-year-old Ara from California makes her debut in the competition.
The narrative unfolds as the girls, alongside their families, pursue goals, meet customers, and handle the highs and lows of the cookie campaign. The film highlights the development of business skills, financial literacy, and confidence among young participants.
An anecdote shared by Meghan adds a personal touch. She recounted a moment when a former troop member approached her as they dropped their children off at school, evoking nostalgia. Meghan also mentioned a poignant scene in the film where a girl achieves what she thought impossible, bringing tears to her eyes.
The Struggle to Sell Documentaries
The release of Cookie Queens comes at a challenging time for documentaries, with filmmakers facing a tough commercial landscape. Broadcasters and streaming platforms have been cutting back on documentary commissions, making it hard to secure distribution deals.
The film’s theatrical release is a noteworthy accomplishment. While documentaries can still make an impact, competition is fierce. Audience engagement is crucial for attracting attention, especially for projects not tied to major franchises.
Initially, Cookie Queens struggled to find a distributor. Nahmias remarked on difficulties in the market at the International Documentary Association event. However, the rights were eventually acquired by Roadside Attractions. The release is a chance for Meghan and Harry to demonstrate Archewell’s ability to successfully market and promote engaging projects.
If the documentary performs well at the box office, it would confirm the public’s interest in Archewell-backed films. Strong performance could bolster their future negotiations for documentary acquisitions and partnerships. Meghan’s passionate support for the film’s themes underscores its importance to the couple’s production aspirations.
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