Sundance Review: 'Cookie Queens' Explores the Highs and Lows of Girl Scout Cookie Sales

The new documentary from director Alysa Nahmias takes a deep dive into the family dynamics behind the annual Girl Scout cookie fundraiser.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Cookie Queens, the new documentary from director Alysa Nahmias, follows four young Girl Scouts - Olive, Nikki, Shannon Elizabeth, and Ara - as they navigate the annual cookie selling season. The film delves into the behind-the-scenes details of the family dynamics involved, exploring themes of agency, where the money goes, and what good parenting looks like in the high-stakes world of cookie sales.

Why it matters

As one of the largest annual fundraisers for the Girl Scouts of the USA, the cookie selling season is a major event that generates around $800 million in revenue. The film provides an intimate look at the personal stories and challenges faced by the young sellers, raising important questions about the role of the organization, the parents, and the girls themselves in this lucrative endeavor.

The details

Cookie Queens follows four girls - Olive (age 12), Nikki (9), Shannon Elizabeth (8), and Ara (5) - as they each work towards their individual cookie sales goals, which range from Olive's ambitious 10,000 boxes to Ara's more modest 55. The film explores the family dynamics at play, with Olive grappling with her identity as the top seller, Nikki and Shannon Elizabeth facing their own challenges, and Ara, who is diabetic, navigating the lack of sugar-free cookie options.

  • Cookie selling season for the Girl Scouts of the USA lasts about 6 weeks annually.
  • Cookie Queens premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

The players

Alysa Nahmias

The director of Cookie Queens and the previous documentary Art & Krimes by Krimes.

Olive

A 12-year-old Girl Scout who has been the top seller in her Charlotte, North Carolina troop, grappling with her identity as the top seller.

Nikki

A 9-year-old Girl Scout facing her own challenges during the cookie selling season.

Shannon Elizabeth

An 8-year-old Girl Scout whose family is stressed about meeting their pre-order of 2,750 boxes.

Ara

A 5-year-old diabetic Girl Scout navigating the lack of sugar-free cookie options.

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What they’re saying

“What kind of person would she be if she stopped selling? Would she lose her sense of self?”

— Olive

“She also inspires.”

— Christopher Llewellyn Reed, Film Critic

What’s next

Cookie Queens will continue its festival run after premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

The takeaway

Cookie Queens provides a nuanced and intimate look at the complex family dynamics behind the annual Girl Scout cookie fundraiser, raising important questions about the role of the organization, parents, and the young sellers themselves in this lucrative endeavor.