First lady Melania Trump granted Fox News an exclusive advance screening of her forthcoming theatrical documentary "MELANIA," slated for global cinema release next month. The 104-minute documentary will premiere in theaters worldwide on Jan. 30, 2026, appearing across North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and beyond, Fox News reported. Amazon plans to follow with a companion documentary series in the coming months.
"History is set in motion during the 20 days of my life prior to the US Presidential Inauguration," the first lady told Fox News. "For the first time, global audiences are invited into theaters to witness this pivotal chapter unfold – a private, unfiltered look as I navigate family, business, and philanthropy on my remarkable journey to becoming First Lady of the United States of America."
Fox News exclusively secured the trailer, opening with the first lady stepping into the US Capitol rotunda ahead of her husband's second swearing-in ceremony. Dressed in her now-iconic inauguration attire, she states: "Here we go again." The trailer alternates between the first lady and president at the inauguration; the pair standing outside Mar-a-Lago; behind-the-scenes inauguration moments featuring Barron Trump and First Lady Trump's father; various images of the first lady; Air Force One; the presidential seal and more, Fox News reported.
The first lady explained that the story "has never been told, and because the subject matter is historically consequential, it was imperative for me to produce a film of the highest cinematic standard, suitable exclusively in theaters worldwide. The 20 days of my life, preceding the US Presidential inauguration, constitutes a rare and defining moment – one that warrants meticulous care, integrity, and uncompromising craftsmanship," she stated. "I am proud to share this very specific moment of my life – 20 days of intense transition and planning – with moviegoers and fans across the globe."
Fox News confirmed the first lady remained involved "in every aspect" of the film – from her "creative vision," to serving as producer and ensuring proper post-production marketing execution. Sources told Fox News she maintained a "hands-on" approach throughout. The film was produced in a "highly cinematic" style. Sources told Fox News the first lady wanted the film to appear as an "elevated film" rather than a documentary. First Lady Trump conceived the film idea in November 2024, after President Trump won the election.
Marc Beckman, First Lady Trump's agent and exclusive senior advisor, led negotiations with Amazon, specifically CEO Andy Jassy, beginning Nov. 18, 2024, according to Fox News. Fox News confirmed Disney sought exclusive rights; Netflix and Paramount also competed. Amazon and MGM submitted the highest bid, purchasing the license for $40 million – the largest documentary deal in history.
"I'm honored to be working with Amazon – they've been great partners from the minute we started to negotiate the deal, through production, and now as we gear up for the film's release," Beckham told Fox News. "Speaking of the deal, there has been so much speculation in the press on the bidding and how we ended up with Amazon, that we're at a point where it's worth clarifying a few things," Beckman said.
First, Beckman told Fox News some bidders were "interested only in a film, and others only in a series." "Amazon ended up bidding on both, and checked all the boxes we were looking for, as they could also deliver a theatrical film release," Beckman explained. "I've seen reporting that Amazon paid nearly three times the nearest other bid, and that's just false," Beckman said, according to Fox News. "It was an incredibly competitive bidding process with multiple rounds of bids."
The film launches one year after her debut book, "Melania," Fox News reported. The memoir provides an intimate portrait of Melania Trump and includes personal stories and family photos she had not previously shared publicly. "Melania" has remained atop the New York Times' best-selling list since its public release.
After last year's memoir release, the first lady told Fox News that writing her story was "an amazing journey filled with emotional highs and lows. Each story shaped me into who I am today," she said. "Although daunting at times, the process has been incredibly rewarding, reminding me of my strength, and the beauty of sharing my truth."
