Cookie Queens

A documentary about the annual Girl Scouts’ cookie sale is probably not high on your list of must-sees, but don’t be too sure — this movie is a delight, a rare celebration of girlhood, enterprise, supportive family relations (moms, sisters, dads), and good old fashioned salesmanship. Not that the film necessarily endorses the tenets of capitalism (there are mutinous murmurs about the mealy $1.10 cent return troupes see from a $6 sale, and dangling questions about child labour) but it’s just about impossible to resist the charms of five-year-old Ara, Olive (12), Nikki (9) and Shannon Elizabeth (8) as they set (and reset) their goals, doggedly plug their wares at flea markets, supermarkets, firehalls and on social media, and share their hopes and dreams. It’s darned cute, but more sly and artful than you would suppose.

Cookie Queens is one of those terrific works of non-fiction that explores a microcosm only to uncover far broader social and political factors that emerge from what otherwise would appear to be a minor cultural event. Emotionally rich, terrifically paced and handsomely framed, this is an exceptional work that’s greater than its ingredients, sandwiching politics, commerce, and the joys of childhood all into one package.

Jason Gorber, POV magazine

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% Fresh

Everyone should seek out Cookie Queens. It will put a smile on your face and remind you there is still plenty to feel good about when it comes to the future.

Nathan McVay, Hey U Guys!