A special screening of the documentary 'Melania' was held at the White House on Saturday, attended by 70 VIPs including Amazon's Andy Jassy, Apple's Tim Cook, Queen Rania of Jordan and Mike Tyson. The film, directed by Brett Ratner, has a reported production budget of $40m and a marketing budget of $35m from Amazon.
Guests were treated to monochrome-themed refreshments, including black and white M&Ms, chocolate-covered pretzels, macarons, cake pops, and cookies bearing the name 'Melania'. They also received branded merchandise such as framed screening tickets and a limited-edition copy of Melania Trump's book. A military band played 'Melania's Waltz', composed by Tony Neiman, as guests arrived.
The screening took place in a makeshift cinema erected due to ongoing construction at the White House ballroom. The documentary's official premiere is scheduled for Thursday at the recently renamed Donald J Trump and John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.
Ratner, who has faced allegations of sexual assault (which he denies and was never charged), directed the authorised 90-minute feature about the First Lady. The film's release comes amid criticism over its timing and perceived institutional media support.
