Melania Trump’s Amazon MGM Studios documentary ‘Melania’ is set for an unprecedented simultaneous premiere in 20 venues across the United States on January 29, 2026, with First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump attending the flagship event in Washington, D.C. The film offers exclusive access to the 20 days before President Trump’s most recent inauguration, providing a behind-the-scenes look at Melania’s role during the transition.
The premiere events will take place in key markets including Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., where the venue has been renamed the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Invitations have already been distributed, and overflow theaters have been booked due to high demand, with some screenings receiving eight times the expected responses. This coordinated rollout marks a significant moment in film distribution, emphasizing a cinematic experience over traditional streaming releases.
Directed by Brett Ratner, the documentary was announced in 2025 and has been in production since December 2024. Amazon MGM Studios licensed the film for an estimated $40 million, as reported by outlets like The Guardian in October 2025, highlighting the substantial investment in this project. The film is billed as providing ‘unprecedented access’ to Melania Trump, capturing never-before-seen meetings and locations during a critical political period.
A global promotional campaign is underway, with advertisements scheduled across 30 countries, featuring iconic locations such as the side of the Duomo in Italy and Piccadilly Circus in London. An ad has already appeared on the Las Vegas Sphere, showcasing the film’s high-profile marketing push. Melania Trump is actively involved in every aspect of the campaign, from TV commercials to billboards, ensuring that the creative direction aligns with her vision.
The film will be released exclusively in theaters on January 30, 2026, before becoming available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in mid-2026. This theatrical-first strategy was driven by Melania Trump’s desire for a ‘rich, highly-stylized cinematic experience,’ as stated by her senior advisor Marc Beckman. The decision underscores a trend towards eventizing film releases, particularly for high-profile documentaries.
Melania Trump serves as an executive producer on the project, working closely with Beckman to oversee the rollout. Unlike typical studio campaigns, this film’s promotion is being managed directly through the First Lady’s team, highlighting her hands-on approach. Beckman noted that ‘she’s involved in every single piece of it,’ emphasizing the personal touch in the marketing efforts.
The premiere screenings will be hosted in part by Trump-appointed ambassadors, such as Bill White, the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, who along with his husband has been a major fundraiser for Trump. This political connection adds another layer to the film’s narrative, blending entertainment with current affairs. The documentary is expected to draw significant attention both for its content and its timing, following Melania’s recent memoir and other public engagements.
Looking ahead, the film’s success could influence future documentaries on political figures and Amazon’s strategy in the competitive streaming landscape. As audiences await the theatrical release, the extensive promotion and unique premiere setup set the stage for a notable entry in 2026’s film calendar, potentially shaping how similar projects are marketed and distributed in the future.
