The documentary film “Melania” has sparked widespread controversy in film circles due to the sudden decisions made by Amazon to stop its screenings in some independent cinemas, such as the Lake Theatre and Cafe in Oregon.
This action came after senior company officials expressed dissatisfaction with the marketing approach used by the cinema, which featured sarcastic phrases on outdoor billboards, such as “To defeat your enemy, you must know them” and “Is Melania wearing Prada?”. The company considered this a departure from the official framework for promoting the film, leading it to inform the cinema management that the Sunday screenings would be the last.
Success Surrounded by Doubts
Although the film had a strong opening at the American box office, coming in third with revenues of seven million dollars, this success is surrounded by many doubts and accusations related to fake ticket sales practices; reports indicate that large quantities of tickets were purchased in advance and distributed for free to artificially inflate attendance numbers.
– The documentary “Melania” was described as promotional… screening amid mixed reactions
– Documentary about Melania Trump pulled from theaters in South Africa
While Amazon and major cinema chains denied the existence of unusual bulk purchases, the film’s weak performance outside the United States reinforces these suspicions. It ranked 29th in the United Kingdom with a modest average revenue, leading some to assume the distributor resorted to a “four-walling” strategy, which guarantees the film’s screening for a fixed fee regardless of actual audience turnout.
The documentary revolves around the former model (55 years old) and wife of the US President, showing scenes from her stays at the President’s home in Florida, the White House in Washington, and Trump Tower in New York, as she moves from one appointment to another with fashion designers to prepare the clothes she will wear on Inauguration Day and to select White House decorations.
The premiere was held last Thursday at the Kennedy Cultural Center, which has been renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, and was praised by the US President as “very good and classy.”
Amazon
The Amazon refers to the vast Amazon Rainforest in South America, which is the world’s largest tropical rainforest and is traversed by the Amazon River. This region has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years and was significantly impacted by European exploration and colonization starting in the 16th century. Today, it is a critical global ecosystem facing major environmental threats.
Melania
Melania is a small village in Slovenia, known for its Church of St. Helena, which dates back to the 15th century. The area is historically significant as part of the former Habsburg Empire and is recognized for its well-preserved rural architecture and cultural landscape.
Lake Theatre and Cafe
The Lake Theatre and Cafe is a historic single-screen movie theater that opened in 1936 in Oak Park, Illinois, designed in the Art Moderne style. It was renovated and expanded in 2000 to include a cafe and bar, transforming it into a unique dine-in cinema venue that continues to operate today.
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, historically inhabited by numerous Indigenous tribes for thousands of years. It became a U.S. territory after a period of joint American-British occupation and was admitted to the Union in 1859, with its history deeply shaped by the Oregon Trail migration.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, establishing itself through a revolutionary war and the adoption of a constitution in 1787. It grew from thirteen original colonies into a global power, with a history shaped by westward expansion, industrialization, and significant civil rights movements. Its diverse culture reflects waves of immigration and a blend of indigenous, European, African, and other global influences.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a sovereign nation comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a history of formation through successive political unions, notably the Acts of Union in 1707 and 1800. It emerged as a major global power during the British Empire and is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, playing a significant role in world history, culture, and industry.
Florida
Florida is a southeastern U.S. state known for its extensive coastline, theme parks, and unique Everglades ecosystem. It was first colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century, became a U.S. territory in 1821, and was admitted as the 27th state in 1845. Its history is deeply shaped by Spanish colonization, the Seminole Wars, and its role as a major 20th-century tourist destination.
White House
The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It was designed by James Hoban, with construction completed in 1800, and has been the home of every U.S. president since John Adams. The building was burned by British forces in 1814 during the War of 1812 and was subsequently rebuilt and expanded over the centuries.
Washington
Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the United States, founded in 1790 following the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. It was established as a federal district through the Residence Act and named after the first U.S. president, George Washington, with its core design influenced by architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant. The city is home to iconic national monuments, museums, and the branches of the U.S. government.
Trump Tower
Trump Tower is a 58-story mixed-use skyscraper on Fifth Avenue in New York City, completed in 1983. It was developed by Donald Trump and served as the headquarters for The Trump Organization, later becoming globally famous as his presidential campaign headquarters and personal residence.
New York
New York City, originally a Dutch trading post called New Amsterdam in the 17th century, grew into a major global port and financial center. It is now one of the world’s most populous and culturally influential cities, renowned for landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park.
Kennedy Cultural Center
The Kennedy Cultural Center is a performing arts venue in Washington, D.C., established in 1971 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. It serves as the national cultural center and hosts a wide array of theater, dance, symphony, and opera performances.
Trump-Kennedy Center
The Trump-Kennedy Center is not an established cultural site or institution. The name appears to be an informal conflation of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and former President Donald Trump, possibly referencing a political rally held there in 2020. The Kennedy Center itself, opened in 1971, is a national cultural center dedicated to President John F. Kennedy.
South Africa
South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent, known for its diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes. Its modern history is profoundly shaped by colonialism and the institutionalized racial segregation of apartheid, which ended in 1994 with the establishment of a democratic government. The country is home to significant historical and cultural sites, including Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO site containing fossils of ancient human ancestors.
