Company claims it self-financed Kristi Noem documentary

A company that produced a new documentary about South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem did not receive any financial support from Noem or state government, according to the company and Noem’s office.

“No taxpayer money was used,” said Ian Fury, Noem’s spokesman. “To my knowledge, it was funded entirely by the entity that produced the documentary.”

That entity is Transition Studios, of Ohio.

“We self-finance all of our projects, including this one,” said Shawn Rech, director of the film. “We approached the governor over a year ago wanting to do this project. She agreed to cooperate.”

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The company said in a news release that the documentary, “America’s Governor: The Kristi Noem Story,” would be published on X (formerly Twitter) at 5 p.m. Central, 4 p.m. Mountain on Thursday.

“The documentary explores the challenges she has faced along the way and the unwavering spirit that has propelled her forward,” said the news release. “It serves as an inspiration to men and women everywhere, showcasing the boundless possibilities that can be achieved through hard work and steadfast belief in one’s principles.”

The news release said the documentary includes stories from Noem’s books, “Not My First Rodeo” and “No Going Back.”

The most recent book, “No Going Back,” infamously included a story about Noem killing her 14-month-old dog and a goat. The book also included a claim, later retracted, that Noem met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.

Since the book’s release, Noem’s name has fallen off lists of potential running mates for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com. Follow South Dakota Searchlight on Facebook and X.