The excitement at the Sundance Film Festival wasn’t just about celebrity appearances this weekend—it was also about a heartwarming documentary featuring a cause close to Meghan Markle’s heart.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were front and center for the world premiere of Cookie Queens, a film celebrating the adventures of Girl Scouts selling cookies.
Their presence, however, ignited a fiery online debate over whether the screening actually sold out.
Red Carpet Moments and Heartfelt Speeches
Meghan and Harry walked the red carpet in Utah alongside director Alysa Nahmias, radiating pride and excitement.
Meghan, a former Girl Scout herself, addressed the audience during the Sunday morning screening, calling the film “probably the cutest at the festival” and expressing how “proud and privileged” they were to be part of it.
She added, with her signature warmth, a note of gratitude for the audience: “Thank you so much for being here bright and early.
I know some of you probably had late nights last night, so extra thanks for the effort.”
Empty Seats or a Sold-Out Show?
Despite the couple’s charm on stage, media reports suggested that there were empty seats in the Eccles Theatre before the screening began.
Some photos shared online showed gaps in the balcony, while critics seized on the images to claim the premiere wasn’t fully sold out.
Supporters of the couple, known as the Sussex Squad, quickly pushed back.
Audience members insisted it was a packed house, with some sharing screenshots from ticket websites showing no available tickets for the event or future showings.
“LIARS, LIARS, LIARS! ALL screenings SOLD OUT!” one fan tweeted, highlighting the backlash against media claims.
The Numbers Behind the Controversy
Reports varied on how many seats were actually empty.
The New York Post cited about 150 unoccupied seats at the start, while Page Six noted the number had dropped to around 60 once the film began ten minutes late.
Regardless, the debate raged online, with fans and critics trading photos and arguments over whether the documentary had truly drawn a full audience.
Meghan’s Personal Connection
For Meghan, Cookie Queens isn’t just any film—it’s deeply personal.
Growing up in California with her mother, Doria Ragland, as her troop leader, she credited the Girl Scouts with instilling values like friendship, dedication, and self-belief.
She reflected on this while introducing the film, emphasizing the lessons that the girls in the documentary embody as they sell cookies.
“My husband and I, and Archewell Productions, we are so proud and privileged to support and uplift Cookie Queens,” Meghan said.
The Documentary’s Vision
Directed by Alysa Nahmias, the 91-minute film follows four Girl Scouts aged five to twelve during cookie-selling season.
Nahmias explained that the idea came from her own children wanting a film they could enjoy with friends.
The documentary captures not just the fun of cookie sales but also the challenges of long hours, ambitious goals, and the pressures of entrepreneurship.
“Selling cookies isn’t just about Thin Mints and sisterhood—it’s a crash course in entrepreneurship,” Nahmias said.
Harry and Meghan’s Role
The couple joined the project as executive producers after the documentary was completed.
Collaborating through Archewell Productions, Harry and Meghan supported the creative team while bringing their own perspective as parents.
They watched the special screening together, celebrating the film alongside its audience and the filmmakers.
Early Reception and Future Prospects
Cookie Queens has received mixed early reviews and is still seeking distribution.
The family matinee showcased the film at Sundance, and its description highlights the candid journey of the Girl Scouts and their families: navigating selling, striving, and achieving success, all while learning valuable life skills.
Reflections on Girlhood and Entrepreneurship
Speaking to reporters, Meghan highlighted how her Girl Scout experience shaped her values.
She expressed joy at seeing the younger generation portrayed with authenticity on screen.
Alysa Nahmias echoed this sentiment, explaining how the film connects with both children and adults, showing a modern, relatable view of girlhood.
What’s Next for Cookie Queens
With its world premiere behind it and ongoing buzz online, the future of Cookie Queens remains a point of interest.
Whether or not the screening fully sold out, the documentary—and Meghan and Harry’s involvement—has already sparked conversations about girlhood, entrepreneurship, and the royal couple’s growing influence in media production.
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