Attendees at the screening included the president, government members, and influential figures from conservative media. Melania Trump described the film as "beautiful, emotional, and cinematic" during the premiere.
The studio Amazon MGM Studios invested significant funds in the project: around $40 million for the film rights and approximately $35 million for its marketing and distribution. After the theatrical run, the film will become an exclusive on Amazon Prime Video.
However, experts express doubts about its commercial success. Initial box office forecasts appear modest, ranging from $1 to $5 million, raising questions about whether the film can recoup its costs. Critics note that the advertising budget is comparable to major releases, which is unusual for documentaries. Amid weak ticket sales, discussions about the project's financial viability are intensifying.
The political context also adds interest to the situation. Some experts wonder if such an expensive deal reflects Amazon's support for the current administration. The company denied these assumptions, emphasizing that the decision to purchase was made solely from a commercial viability perspective and audience interest expectations. "We acquired the rights to the documentary film and series about Melania Trump because we believe it will be of interest to viewers," Amazon stated.
At the premiere held on Thursday, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed that he has no doubts about Amazon's actions.
"Amazon is a business, and they act in their own interests to make money," he noted. "I believe they will be able to profit from this film. However, in my opinion, it also has immeasurable value due to its cultural significance."
