Skeptical Documentary Investigates Girl Scout Cookies
Alysa Nahmias’ documentary, “Cookie Queens,” explores the challenges and triumphs of a diverse group of young Girl Scouts during the annual cookie-selling season. Premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, this film sheds light on an activity that generates approximately $800 million in six weeks. With an engaging narrative, it raises questions about the implications of child involvement in a consumer-driven environment.
Girl Scouts: A Season of Sales
The documentary features four girls aged five to twelve, each with distinct backgrounds and aspirations. They highlight the personal goals within the troop and the larger corporate dynamics of cookie sales.
Meet the Cookie Queens
- Olive: A mature middle schooler from Charlotte, NC, Olive is the top seller who grapples with the pressures of success.
- Nikki: At nine, this Black girl from Chino, CA, operates as an independent Girl Scout, known as a “Juliette.”
- Shannon Elizabeth: An eight-year-old from El Paso, Texas, she sells cookies to fund summer camp.
- Ara: The youngest member at age five, Ara is a type one diabetic who prioritizes her well-being over sales.
The Dark Side of Fundraising
The film illustrates how these young entrepreneurs navigate societal expectations while pursuing their sales goals. It contrasts their innocent ambition with the underlying exploitative nature of the cookie-selling enterprise, often referred to as “Big Cookie.”
Ambitions and Realities
Each girl embodies a different facet of the Girl Scout experience. Olive, the most media-savvy, understands the mechanics of sales but begins to question her role and motives. Shannon Elizabeth’s working-class background raises concerns about financial burdens associated with cookie sales.
In contrast, Ara’s supportive father emphasizes leading over competing, showcasing a more relaxed approach to sales. This attitude provides a refreshing perspective amidst the competitiveness of cookie sales.
The Implications of Selling Cookies
While the Girl Scouts’ mission aims to instill values of courage, confidence, and character, the film critiques the commercial pressure faced by these girls. The narrative highlights the ethical dilemma of child involvement in business, questioning if their experiences truly align with the organization’s intended values.
“Cookie Queens” not only captures the essence of childhood entrepreneurship but also invites viewers to reflect on the broader implications of such consumer culture. The documentary serves as both an engaging portrayal and a critical examination of the Girl Scouts’ cookie-selling phenomenon.
