Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Documentary Faces Distribution Challenges

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's documentary, *Cookie Queens*, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2023. Directed by Alysa Nahmias, the film follows four Girl Scouts as they strive to excel in cookie sales while navigating personal challenges. Despite receiving a standing ovation and positive reviews from U.S. outlets, the documentary has yet to secure a distribution deal, highlighting the difficulties faced in the current market for documentaries.

Newsweek

Alysa Nahmias, the film's director, described the current market for documentaries as "really awful," indicating that many filmmakers are struggling to find distribution. The International Documentary Association reported that while some films at Sundance had secured distribution, the majority were still seeking homes, with no acquisitions reported at the festival. This situation is particularly pressing for Markle and Prince Harry, who have yet to achieve a significant commercial success since their Netflix series, *With Love, Meghan*, which failed to resonate with audiences.

Newsweek

The reception of *Cookie Queens* at Sundance was mixed. While Deadline's Anthony D'Alessandro noted the film received a lengthy standing ovation, he acknowledged that the audience's engagement at the Eccles Theatre is typically more fleeting compared to other prestigious festivals like Venice and Cannes. Conversely, the New York Post reported that the screening did not sell out, with approximately 150 empty seats observed during the film's start. This discrepancy has sparked debate regarding the couple's ability to draw audiences.

Newsweek

Alysa Nahmias expressed hope for change in the documentary market, stating, “We can choose to feel powerless—or maybe we are powerless—but I do want to believe that things can change.” This sentiment reflects the broader challenges faced by filmmakers in securing distribution amidst a competitive landscape.

Newsweek

Critics have pointed out the lack of a sold-out screening as a potential indicator of the Sussexes' waning influence in the entertainment industry. The New York Post's Johnny Oleksinski remarked on the empty seats, suggesting that the couple's star power may not be sufficient to guarantee commercial success.

Newsweek

As *Cookie Queens* remains without a distributor, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are likely to continue seeking opportunities to promote the film. The outcome of their efforts in this challenging market will be closely watched, as they aim to establish their credibility as producers in the competitive realm of television and film.

Newsweek