Former First Lady Michelle Obama has expressed her support for her daughter Malia’s decision to drop the family surname as she embarks on her filmmaking career. Malia, 26, chose to be credited as “Malia Ann”—using her first and middle names—for her directorial debut, The Heart, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. This move aims to establish her own identity and avoid perceptions of nepotism.
Establishing an Independent Identity
In a recent episode of the Sibling Revelry podcast, Michelle Obama discussed her daughters’ efforts to forge their own paths. She noted that both Malia and her younger sister, Sasha, 23, are keen to be recognized for their individual achievements rather than their family’s prominence.
“It is very important for my kids to feel like they’ve earned what they are getting in the world, and they don’t want people to assume that they don’t work hard,” Michelle explained.
Michelle acknowledged that while the name change might not obscure Malia’s identity entirely, she and former President Barack Obama respect their daughter’s desire to make her own way.
Barack Obama’s Perspective
Former President Barack Obama also addressed Malia’s decision during an appearance on The Pivot Podcast. He recounted that Malia wanted audiences to engage with her work without preconceived notions tied to her last name.
“She’s all like, ‘You know what? I want them to watch it that first time and not in any way have that association [with the Obama name],'” Barack shared.
He added that both daughters are determined to succeed on their own merits and often resist leveraging their family’s name for personal advancement.
Malia’s Career in Film
Malia’s debut film, The Heart, is an 18-minute short exploring themes of grief and human connection. It stars Tunde Adebimpe and LaTonya Borsay and was showcased at the 2024
Her journey in the film industry includes internships at The Weinstein Company and on the set of Girls. She later joined the writers’ room for Donald Glover’s Amazon Prime series Swarm, earning a writing credit. Glover praised her talent and focus, highlighting her dedication to the craft. Recently, Malia directed a Nike commercial featuring WNBA star A’ja Wilson, further establishing her presence in the industry.
Navigating Public Perception
Growing up in the White House, Malia and Sasha Obama were constantly in the public eye. Michelle noted that her daughters didn’t fully grasp their parents’ roles during their childhood but have since developed a deeper understanding.
“As they’re older, I think they are embracing our parenting principles. They have a clearer understanding of why we did a lot of what we did,” Michelle said.
Malia’s decision to drop her last name has sparked discussions about privilege and identity. While some critics label her efforts as superficial, others, including public figures like Whoopi Goldberg, defend her right to define her own path.
A Family’s Support
Both Michelle and Barack Obama have expressed pride in their daughters’ independence and ambition. They continue to support Malia and Sasha as they navigate adulthood and pursue their respective careers.
Conclusion
Malia’s choice to use “Malia Ann” professionally symbolizes her commitment to establishing herself on her own terms, reflecting the values instilled by her parents.
