Best of the Spectator Americano: who is the real Melania Trump?
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Feb 3, 2026 Fernando Sulichin, documentary filmmaker and creative producer of Melania, discusses making the film. He recalls the rushed 10-day lead-up and 20-day shoot. He portrays Melania as reserved, detail-oriented and proud of her producing role. They talk about fashion, family life and the awkward, chaotic inauguration behind the scenes.
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Hastily Assembled Project Origin
- The project began because Melania Trump and Mark Beckham proposed a documentary and hired director Brent Ratner.
- Fernando Sulichin was called to produce, and they assembled a crew in ten days before Christmas for a rapid shoot.
Melania As Reserved, Not Mysterious
- Fernando describes Melania as reserved, academic and highly detail-oriented rather than merely enigmatic.
- The film aims to reveal who she is and what she stands for beyond public mystery.
Portraying Joy In Public Roles
- Sulichin rejects the idea Melania disliked political life, saying she is "happy as a dog with two tails."
- He presents the couple as thriving in their roles and confident in public life.