The new documentary “Melania” was screened yesterday, Friday. Over the course of one hour and 44 minutes, it recounts the twenty days of the First Lady leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration for a second presidential term in January 2025.
Amid mixed reactions from an admiring public and media that did not hesitate to criticize it, the documentary moves from the President’s residence in Florida to the White House in Washington, passing by Trump Tower in New York. It follows the former model (55 years old) from one appointment to another with fashion designers to prepare the outfits she would wear on inauguration day and to select White House decorations.
The documentary does not present anything new, but it shows how affected Melania was by her mother’s death, reveals that Michael Jackson is her favorite singer, and features some guests such as the French First Lady, Brigitte Macron, during a video call.
The premiere was held Thursday at the Kennedy Cultural Center, which has been renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, and was praised by the American President as “very good and classy.”
This documentary, funded by Amazon, falls within the framework of the rapprochement that has been occurring for several months between Donald Trump and Jeff Bezos; the founder of Amazon was given a seat in the front row during Trump’s inauguration ceremony at the Capitol on January 20, 2025.
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According to American media, Amazon invested up to $40 million in the documentary, more than 70% of which goes to Melania Trump. The film is expected to be released later on the Amazon Prime Video platform.
Mixed Reactions
In Washington, one viewer considered the documentary, “contrary to what we see every day with President Trump, presents a different image that makes them a bit more human,” while another viewer in Florida described the film as “wonderful.”
American media, however, were more critical; one magazine considered the film a “disgrace,” while another described it as a propaganda piece.
Several media outlets pointed to many empty seats in theaters, with expectations of limited box office returns.
In South Africa, the film was pulled from theaters before its screening due to the “current climate” and deteriorating relations between Pretoria and Washington.
The choice of Brett Ratner to direct the film also sparked widespread criticism, due to sexual violence allegations that followed the director during the #MeToo movement in 2017.
Florida
Florida is a southeastern U.S. state known for its extensive coastline, theme parks, and unique Everglades ecosystem. It was first colonized by Spain in the 16th century, became a U.S. territory in 1821, and was admitted as the 27th state in 1845. Its culture is a vibrant blend of Southern, Latin American, and Caribbean influences.
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.
Washington
Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, was founded in 1790 following the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and named after the first president, George Washington. The city was purposefully designed as the seat of the federal government and is home to iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Washington Monument.
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 internationally famous as his presidential campaign headquarters and 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 after coming under British control. Today, it is 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 nation’s cultural center, hosting the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, and numerous other performances across its multiple theaters and spaces.
Trump-Kennedy Center
The “Trump-Kennedy Center” is not an established cultural site. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., is a premier venue named for the 35th president, and while it has hosted events during various administrations, there is no official center combining the names Trump and Kennedy.
Amazon
The Amazon refers to the vast Amazon Rainforest in South America, which is the world’s largest tropical rainforest and river basin. Its history includes millennia of human habitation by indigenous peoples, followed by European exploration starting in the 16th century, and it has since become a globally critical region for biodiversity and climate regulation.
Capitol
The Capitol is the seat of the United States Congress, located in Washington, D.C. Its construction began in 1793, and the building has been expanded and restored over the centuries, notably after being damaged during the War of 1812. It stands as a central symbol of the American federal government and its democratic ideals.
South Africa
South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent, known for its diverse landscapes and multicultural society. Its modern history is profoundly shaped by colonialism and the apartheid era, a system of institutionalized racial segregation that ended in 1994 with the election of Nelson Mandela as president.
Sundance Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is an annual independent film festival held in Utah, USA, founded in 1978 by Sterling Van Wagenen and later championed by actor Robert Redford. It was established to provide a platform for independent filmmakers outside the Hollywood studio system and has grown into one of the most influential film festivals in the world.
Libya Film Foundation
The Libya Film Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2011 to support and develop the Libyan film industry following the Arab Spring. It focuses on preserving the country’s cinematic heritage, providing training for filmmakers, and fostering cultural dialogue through cinema.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a subscription-based streaming service launched by Amazon in 2006, initially as a digital video rental and purchase platform. It evolved into a major on-demand streaming competitor, producing its own award-winning original content like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Boys.”
Pretoria
Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa, founded in 1855 and named after Afrikaner leader Andries Pretorius. It is known for its historical significance in the Afrikaner community and its iconic jacaranda trees, with key landmarks including the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument.
