Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in February 2024.
In a bold and daring move, Hollywood’s rising star Malia Ann is crafting her own identity—ditching the iconic Obama surname to shine on her own terms.
Once known as Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, she’s now turning heads with her breakout role in the upcoming film The Heart. By embracing her middle name, Malia Ann signals a fresh chapter—stepping out of her parents’ spotlight and into her own unforgettable spotlight.
The world got its first glimpse of Malia’s new persona at the prestigious 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where the 25-year-old filmmaker made waves with her directorial debut. The red carpet premiere of The Heart wasn’t just a movie launch—it was Malia Ann’s powerful statement: she’s here to be recognized on her own terms.
Interestingly, the famed Obama duo was notably absent from Sundance. Though Barack and Michelle have made their mark in Hollywood through Higher Ground Productions, this time, they chose to step back—giving Malia Ann the spotlight to shine completely independent and unstoppable.
Under the Sundance spotlight, Malia Ann offered an intriguing glimpse into The Heart, describing it as “an odd little story, almost like a fable, about a man shattered by the loss of his mother—who leaves him a mysterious request in her will.”
Produced by Donald Glover’s company Gilga, The Heart not only showcases Malia’s talent behind the camera but also underscores her creative range. Before stepping into directing, she made her mark as a staff writer on Glover’s acclaimed Amazon Prime series, Swarm—proving she’s a multifaceted force in Hollywood.
Industry insiders and colleagues have been quick to praise Malia Ann’s undeniable talent. In a January 2023 Vanity Fair interview with E! News, Swarm co-creator Janine Nabers lauded her professionalism, calling her “a very professional person” and “an incredible writer and artist,” highlighting her impressive range of skills.
Even Donald Glover, a powerhouse in his own right, made it clear that Malia’s famous family name never influenced her treatment on set. Speaking to Vanity Fair in March 2022, he confidently predicted a bright future for her: “I feel like she’s somebody who’s gonna have really good things coming soon. Her writing style is great. We must not lower our standards simply because she happens to be the daughter of a former President.”
Malia Ann’s Hollywood journey is quickly becoming a powerful story of self-discovery and creative independence. As she carves out her own path, the spotlight shines brightly on her distinct voice and vision—promising a future brimming with bold artistic achievements.