Malia Obama, 25, Debuts Her Alias & Ditches Family Surname after Starting Movie Career

Malia Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, recently showcased her directorial debut, "The Heart," at the Sundance Film Festival, choosing to be credited as Malia Ann.

Malia Ann Obama was born on July 4, 1998, with her middle name honoring Barack's mother, who passed away in 1995 from ovarian cancer at the age of 52. After growing up as the president's daughter and graduating from Harvard, Malia decided to pursue a career as a screenwriter.

In her latest film, "The Heart," where Malia is credited as director and screenwriter, she chose to go by her stage name, Malia Ann. She made an appearance on the red carpet at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival earlier this month for the premiere of the movie.

Malia's journey into the film industry began with her role in the writing team for the series "Swarm," which premiered on Amazon Prime in 2021. With Billie Eilish and Rory Culkin among the cast,"Swarm" marked a promising start to her career.

"She's an incredible writer," said co-creator of the "Swarm," Janine Nabers, about Malia. "She brought a lot to the table… She's really, really dedicated to her craft."

Despite her famous family, one of the executive producers of "Swarm," Stephen Glover, insisted that they treated Malia just like any other member of the creative team.

"We can't be easy on her just because she's the [former] President's daughter," he stated. "Nah, she's very down to earth, and cool. So, it's not a problem at all."

Her parents can’t hide how proud they are of Malia. For her last birthday, they published sweet messages to support their daughter.

“Happy birthday to this talented, hilarious, and beautiful young woman,” wrote Barack on his Instagram. “Malia, I hope 25 brings you everything you’re looking for and more.”

His wife Michelle joined him with congratulations, posting, “Happy birthday, Malia! I feel so lucky to be your mom and to be able to watch you become the wonderful young woman you are today. Love you so much! 💕”

From Malia Obama to Malia Ann. From the president's daughter to a Hollywood screenwriter and director. The world is waiting for her new films to come, as she finds her voice in the movie industry.

As previously reported on January 19, 2024:

Malia Obama, the daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, captivated attention with her first-ever red carpet debut at Sundance, making a distinctive statement in the world of fashion and film.

Malia Obama stepped onto the red carpet for the first time at "The Heart" premiere. Her appearance, during the Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024, showcased her unique style.

Clad in a long, oversized gray coat paired with a casual striped blue shirt, she exuded a relaxed yet stylish vibe. Her outfit, complemented by dark, knee-high boots, was a blend of comfort and elegance.

The young woman's appearance has sparked a wave of reactions online. While many celebrated Malia's unique style, saying "love her style" and praising her "classy look," others offered mixed reviews, including a claim that she "needs a wardrobe consultant."

A segment of onlookers criticized her ensemble, with one remarking, "Dressed like this for the red carpet? Tacky." Her simple gray coat was labeled "thrifty" by one user. One commentator admitted Malia's fashion sense has "indie" vibes.

Malia's first red carpet appearance was not just a step into the spotlight but also a stride in her burgeoning career in the film industry. At just 25, she has already carved out a space for herself, thanks to her role in the writers' room for Donald Glover's new Amazon series.

Glover, known for his critical and audience acclaim, has described Malia as an "amazingly talented person." Her path in Hollywood includes various internships and a role as a production assistant.

Despite her high-profile background, Malia is regarded as a "regular person like everybody else" in the writers' room. Her journey into the film industry has been marked by notable progression.

She made her writing debut on Donald Glover's Prime Video series, "Swarm." Glover himself has praised Malia, indicating that her writing style is unique and promising.