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During the vibrant atmosphere of the Sundance Film Festival, the documentary Cookie Queens premiered to great excitement, significantly enhanced by the unexpected arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. The event took place at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in Salt Lake City, where the couple mingled with notable attendees, including filmmaker Alysa Nahmias and Amy Redford, daughter of the late Sundance founder Robert Redford.
Although the couple’s attendance was kept confidential prior to the screening, it came as no surprise to those familiar with the film, as they are part of its executive production team. They join a group that includes Tegan Acton, Hallee Adelman, and others, all invested in the project.
Exploring the theme of girl empowerment
At the heart of the 91-minute film is the competitive journey of four spirited Girl Scouts—Ara, Olive, Nikki, and Shannon Elizabeth—as they strive to become top sellers of their iconic cookies. Sundance programmer Stephanie Owens describes the film as a charming portrayal that captures the girls’ unique personalities and their savvy business strategies. She emphasizes that they could very well become future leaders in various fields, such as law and business.
The Duchess of Sussex’s involvement aligns with her longstanding advocacy for female empowerment, especially as a mother of two young children. Cookie Queens provides insight into how determination and creativity can manifest in unexpected ways, particularly among girls navigating childhood challenges.
The backdrop of royal engagements
This surprise appearance followed Prince Harry’s testimony at a London High Court regarding his ongoing legal battle with the publisher of the Daily Mail. He openly discussed the toll that media scrutiny has taken on his family, stating that it has turned his wife’s life into a “misery.” This contrast between his recent court appearances and the lively celebration at Sundance highlights the couple’s complex journey.
Alysa Nahmias’s filmmaking journey
Director Alysa Nahmias is known for exploring the lives of visual artists; however, with Cookie Queens, she adopts a refreshing approach. The idea for the documentary stemmed from a dinner conversation with her children, who expressed a desire to see a relatable film.
After considering their request, Nahmias collaborated with producers Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw, embarking on a journey into the vibrant world of cookie selling. The film not only showcases the ambition of young girls but also aims to highlight their creativity and shared experiences, regardless of their backgrounds.
Finding the right stars
In her quest to identify the ideal subjects, Nahmias and her team engaged with numerous Girl Scout troops and communities, conducting interviews with various families. She emphasized the importance of showcasing girls who actively participated in selling cookies, highlighting individual efforts rather than parental support. This focus allows the film to portray authentic narratives of hard work and personal growth.
“The girls we highlighted are dedicated,” Nahmias shared. “They organize booths every weekend, employing creative strategies that you’ll see in the film.” The documentary captures the real-time experiences, humorous interactions, and challenges faced by its young protagonists.
Connecting with audiences
As the premiere of Cookie Queens unfolds, Nahmias eagerly anticipates audience reactions. Among her initial goals was to create a film that resonates with her children, which appears to have been successful, as they are enthusiastic about sharing it with their peers. “As a mom, that’s a win for me,” she reflected, balancing her roles as both filmmaker and parent.
Although the couple’s attendance was kept confidential prior to the screening, it came as no surprise to those familiar with the film, as they are part of its executive production team. They join a group that includes Tegan Acton, Hallee Adelman, and others, all invested in the project.0
Although the couple’s attendance was kept confidential prior to the screening, it came as no surprise to those familiar with the film, as they are part of its executive production team. They join a group that includes Tegan Acton, Hallee Adelman, and others, all invested in the project.1