Malia Obama, 25, debuts new name as she begins Hollywood career

Malia Obama, once known as the daughter of former POTUS and FLOTUS Barack and Michelle Obama, has gracefully transitioned into adulthood, carving out a new identity for herself—one that includes a significant decision to alter her name.

At 25 years old, she recently unveiled her directorial debut, “The Heart,” at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Notably, the film’s credits omitted her family surname, signaling her desire to forge her own path independently.

Born Malia Ann Obama on July 4, 1998, her middle name pays homage to her paternal grandmother, who tragically passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 52 in 1995. Despite growing up in the spotlight as the President’s daughter and graduating from Harvard, Malia has chosen to explore a career in screenwriting.

In her latest endeavor, “The Heart,” where Malia serves as both director and screenwriter, she adopted the pseudonym Malia Ann. Stepping onto the festival’s red carpet earlier this year, Malia celebrated the premiere of her movie, showcasing her multifaceted talents and creative vision.

However, this isn’t Malia’s first venture into the film industry. In 2021, she contributed to the writing team for the series “Swarm,” which later streamed on Amazon Prime. Praised for her remarkable writing skills, she impressed collaborators with her dedication and ingenuity.

Despite her notable lineage, Malia is treated with equality and respect within the industry. Executive producer Stephen Glover emphasized that she’s judged solely on her merits, devoid of any special treatment due to her familial connections.

Proud parents Barack and Michelle Obama have publicly expressed their admiration for Malia, showering her with warm birthday wishes on her recent 25th birthday, underscoring their unwavering support for her journey into adulthood and the arts.

From Malia Obama to Malia Ann, from the President’s daughter to a burgeoning Hollywood screenwriter and director, her transformation signifies a promising future filled with boundless creativity and achievement.