Malia Obama, former US President Barack Obama’s eldest daughter, has sparked interest with her recent decision to use her middle name, “Ann,” professionally as she pursues a career in Hollywood. Shortly before the premiere of her short film The Heart at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, the aspiring filmmaker decided to take on a new stage name, and the reason for this decision may surprise you.
Malia Obama, who recently graduated from Harvard and is embarking on a career in filmmaking, has made a unique decision for her professional life: she will use her new name, “Ann.” This decision to distance herself from her well-known Obama family name reflects a deliberate effort to forge her own path, separate from her famous parents, who are also making waves in the entertainment industry with Higher Ground Production.
Malia Obama adopts stage name ‘Ann’ for Hollywood debut
While this decision may not appear revolutionary in show business, it represents a significant shift for the Obama family. Malia Obama’s decision reflects a common trend among celebrities‘ children in Hollywood. Consider Nicolas Cage, who chose a stage name over his family name Coppola, or Angelina Jolie, who dropped the surname Voight.
The surprise occurred during her red carpet-appearance at the premiere of The Heart. The Sundance Institute’s spotlight video introduced the 25-year-old as filmmaker Malia Ann. Surprisingly, the Obamas did not attend the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, despite their newfound interest in the film industry.
Malia Ann, who goes by her middle name, reveals a heartfelt exploration of grief and longing in her film “The Heart.” The story follows Joshua (Tunde Adebimpe) as he navigates the complexities of loss following his mother’s unexpected death. Joshua embarks on a journey of self-discovery, meeting people who reflect his mother’s presence, attempting to fulfill his mother’s final wish, and maintaining silent emotions.
The film was described by Malia as “an odd little story, somewhat of a fable, about a man grieving the death of his mother after she leaves him an unusual request in her will.”