Cookie Queens: Meghan Markle’s Sundance Doc on Girl Scouts & Capitalism

The American spirit of entrepreneurship, even at a young age, is on full display in Cookie Queens, a new documentary following four Girl Scouts as they navigate the world of cookie sales. The film, which received a reportedly long ovation after its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, offers a charming and surprisingly nuanced look at ambition, family dynamics, and the complexities of commerce through the eyes of these young sellers.

A Sweet Look at a Capitalist System

Directed by Alysa Nahmias, who previously won an Emmy for Art & Krimes by Krimes, Cookie Queens focuses on Ara E. (age five), Olive G. (age twelve), Shannon Elizabeth S. (age eight), and Nikki B. (age nine). The film observes their individual approaches to selling, the support systems – or lack thereof – they receive, and the personal stakes involved in achieving sales goals. The project also boasts executive producers including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Did You Know? The film clocks in at 1 hour and 31 minutes and was screened as a Family Matinee at the Sundance Film Festival.

Beyond the Cookies

While the film’s surface is undeniably “sweet,” Nahmias doesn’t shy away from subtly exploring deeper themes. The documentary gently touches on income inequality, the pressures within parent-child relationships, and issues surrounding race and beauty standards. A key observation is the financial breakdown of cookie sales, noting that only approximately a dollar from each $6 box goes to the individual seller, with the remainder funding the Girl Scouts’ organizational structure.

The girls’ motivations and experiences vary significantly. Twelve-year-old Olive G., described as a “Tracy Flick-in-training,” displays a competitive drive and is visibly frustrated by the portion of her earnings retained by the organization. Eight-year-old Shannon Elizabeth S., from El Paso, Texas, relies heavily on the support of her mother and her mom’s partner to reach her goal of earning a trip to summer camp. Nine-year-old Nikki B., in Chino, California, strives to prove her worth within her family, hoping to earn a trip to Europe and a trophy to match her sisters’ achievements.

Individual Stories, Shared Lessons

Five-year-old Ara E., who has type-1 diabetes, demonstrates empathy and entrepreneurial spirit by baking sugar-free treats for a customer concerned about his health, while still maintaining her business acumen by charging for them. This moment highlights the film’s ability to blend heartwarming interactions with a subtle commentary on the realities of capitalism. The film also portrays the strong friendship between Olive G. and Celia K., a hyper-articulate and supportive friend, offering a reassuring counterpoint to the more isolated experiences of other girls in the film.

Expert Insight: The film’s observational approach, without direct interviews, allows the girls’ actions and interactions to speak for themselves, creating a powerful and intimate portrait of their experiences. This technique invites viewers to draw their own conclusions about the complexities of the situations presented.

The documentary suggests that the pursuit of cookie-selling success is intertwined with broader societal values, including the Protestant work ethic and the commodification of cuteness. The girls appear to intuitively understand the power of appealing to customers’ emotions, even employing guilt-tripping tactics to boost sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cookie Queens about?

Cookie Queens is a documentary that follows four Girl Scouts – Ara E., Olive G., Shannon Elizabeth S., and Nikki B. – as they sell cookies, highlighting their individual experiences, family dynamics, and the lessons they learn about business and life.

Who directed Cookie Queens?

Alysa Nahmias directed Cookie Queens. She previously won an Emmy for her work on Art & Krimes by Krimes.

What themes does the film explore?

The film explores themes of entrepreneurship, income inequality, parent-child relationships, race, beauty standards, and the complexities of capitalism, all through the lens of young Girl Scouts selling cookies.

As these young entrepreneurs navigate the world of cookie sales, one can’t help but wonder what future endeavors these girls will pursue, and how these early experiences will shape their paths.