WASHINGTON: Melania Trump marked her first year back as First Lady with the premiere of her self-produced documentary, Melania, at the Kennedy Center on Thursday, ahead of its global release.
The film chronicles the 20 days leading up to her husband Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Speaking to reporters, Melania said the documentary offers a rare glimpse into her life, from managing her businesses and philanthropic efforts to caring for her family and building her White House team.
“It’s beautiful, it’s emotional, it’s fashionable, it’s cinematic and I’m very proud of it,” she said, according to AFP.
The nearly two-hour film, produced by AmazonMGM Studios with a reported $40 million budget, will debut in over 1,500 theaters worldwide before streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Director Brett Ratner emphasized that the measure of success for the documentary isn’t box-office revenue, noting that documentaries typically have modest theatrical performance.
President Trump viewed the film at a private White House screening and praised it as “really great,” adding that it “brings back a glamor that you just don’t see anymore.”
The documentary represents a unique project for a sitting First Lady. Melania’s senior adviser noted that she was a private citizen when the deal was signed and emphasized that she receives no salary as First Lady.
Beyond the film, Melania has continued her advocacy work during her second term. She championed the “Take It Down Act,” aimed at protecting individuals from the non-consensual online sharing of intimate images, and expanded the Be Best initiative to support foster children globally.
She has also played a role in artificial intelligence and education initiatives and recently launched a global foster child program.
Through Melania, she hopes to give the public a better understanding of the dedication required to serve as First Lady while highlighting her personal journey and contributions.
