Malia Obama, the daughter of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, is stepping into the spotlight in her own way, carving a distinct path for herself. Now 25 years old, Malia is no longer just known as the President’s daughter—she’s making a name for herself in the entertainment industry. In a notable move, she has even opted to drop the famous family surname from her professional endeavors, signaling a desire to establish her own identity in the creative world.

Malia’s latest venture came when she showcased her directorial debut, The Heart, at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The film received attention not only for its unique storytelling but also because Malia chose to be credited simply as “Malia Ann”—a nod to her middle name and a personal choice to separate her work from the weight of her family name. Born Malia Ann Obama on July 4, 1998, her middle name is a tribute to her paternal grandmother, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 1995 at the age of 52.

Malia’s journey to this point has been one of constant public attention. Growing up in the spotlight as the daughter of one of the most influential political families in the world, she managed to maintain a sense of privacy and normalcy despite her fame. After graduating from Harvard University, Malia explored a career in the arts, focusing specifically on screenwriting and filmmaking. Her latest project, The Heart, marks a significant step in her creative journey, where she not only directed the film but also took on the role of screenwriter.

Her red carpet appearance at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year was one of the first times the public saw her step fully into this new role. Malia’s composure and confidence were evident as she basked in the excitement of the premiere. While she had already dipped her toes into the entertainment world before with screenwriting work, The Heart marked her debut as a director, proving she is serious about forging her own career.

Interestingly, Malia’s entry into the entertainment industry wasn’t entirely unexpected. In 2021, she contributed to the writing team of the Amazon Prime series Swarm, which quickly gained recognition for its bold storytelling. The series, which starred Billie Eilish and Rory Culkin, gave Malia a chance to prove her writing talents. Her work was praised by the show’s co-creator, Janine Nabers, who spoke highly of Malia’s contributions. “Some of her pitches were wild as hell, and they were just so good and so funny. She’s an incredible writer,” Nabers shared with E! Online. “She brought a lot to the table… She’s really, really dedicated to her craft.”

Despite her famous family background, those who worked with Malia on Swarm were quick to note that she was treated like any other member of the team. Stephen Glover, the executive producer of Swarm, emphasized that Malia’s identity as the daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama didn’t give her any special treatment. “We can’t be easy on her just because she’s the [former] President’s daughter,” Glover admitted to Vanity Fair. “Nah, she’s very down to earth and cool. So, it’s not a problem at all.” This approach helped Malia integrate seamlessly into the world of Hollywood, where her talent, rather than her last name, took center stage.

Malia’s parents, Barack and Michelle Obama, have consistently expressed their pride in their daughter’s accomplishments. On her 25th birthday, both parents shared heartfelt messages on social media, celebrating Malia’s growth and success. “Happy birthday to this talented, hilarious, and beautiful young woman,” Barack Obama wrote on Instagram. “Malia, I hope 25 brings you everything you’re looking for and more.” Michelle Obama echoed her husband’s sentiments, posting a touching tribute: “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 the former First Daughter to a rising star in Hollywood, Malia Obama has clearly embarked on a promising new chapter in her life. Her decision to use her middle name professionally signifies her desire to build her own legacy, separate from the shadow of her family name. With her growing body of work, including The Heart and Swarm, Malia is proving that she has the talent and determination to thrive in the competitive world of filmmaking and screenwriting.

There’s no doubt that Malia Ann Obama has a bright future ahead of her, one that will be shaped by her passion, creativity, and dedication to her craft. As she continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, it’s clear that Malia is much more than just the President’s daughter—she’s becoming a force in her own right.