Cookie Queens documentary explores Girl Scout cookie season

The new documentary "Cookie Queens," directed by Alysa Nahmias and produced by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, explores the modern experience of the Girl Scout cookie selling season. The film follows four girls from diverse backgrounds across the United States as they navigate the pressures of sales goals and the economics of the program.

Featured subjects include 12-year-old Olive from Charlotte, North Carolina, an ambitious seller with a goal of 8,000 boxes; 8-year-old Shannon Elizabeth from El Paso, Texas, who aims to sell 2,750 boxes to fund a camp trip; 5-year-old Ara from San Diego, California; and 9-year-old Nikki from Chino, California.

The documentary highlights the financial stakes involved, noting that scouts must reimburse the organization for any unsold inventory. This requirement creates varying levels of stress for families, particularly those with limited means, such as Shannon Elizabeth’s family, who face uncertainty regarding their ability to cover potential losses.