Malia Obama is no longer just the eldest daughter of the former President of the United States, Barack Obama. At 26, she is starting to make a name for herself. And this, far from the presidential shadow and the political career of her parents. During the 50th edition of the Deauville American Film Festival, Malia made her debut as a director with her short film The Heart. This first cinematic project earned her the prestigious Young Spirit award, a prize created specifically to celebrate young talents in the seventh art.
Graduating in 2021 from Harvard University, where she studied English with a specialization in screenwriting and film, Malia Ann Obama has always nurtured a passion for storytelling. Her journey and early experiences show her determination to carve her own path. From a young age, she was interested in the world of arts and media, initially working in prestigious internships, notably on the set of the series Girls by Lena Dunham and for Harvey Weinstein‘s production company. These experiences allowed her to discover the behind-the-scenes of the audiovisual industry and to develop her own artistic vision.
However, it was only in 2023 that she made her notable debut as a screenwriter. She co-wrote an episode of the series Swarm, produced by Prime Video, a series praised for its boldness. The creator of the series, Janine Nabers, did not hesitate to call Malia a screenwriter with “exceptional talent”. But while her screenwriting work was noticed, her true fulfillment is now realized behind the camera.
With The Heart, Malia delivers a deeply personal and intimate work. This 18-minute short film tells the story of a grieving man. He struggles to accept his late mother’s last wishes. It addresses loneliness, forgiveness, and regrets, bringing a strong emotional dimension to them. “The film is about lost objects and lonely people. But it also seeks to show where tenderness can still exist in these difficult moments,” she told the press during the presentation in Deauville. For Malia Obama, cinema is a tool for human connection. She hopes her work will allow viewers to “feel less alone,” especially those facing complex emotions like grief.
This early talent did not only shine in Deauville. Before this recognition in France, The Heart was presented at the Sundance Festival in January 2024, one of the most prestigious independent film festivals. This appearance in Deauville, where she was honored, marks a new step in Malia’s ascent towards a promising cinematic career.
Malia Obama is determined to distinguish herself through her work and creativity, refusing to be simply perceived as the daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama. She has taken care not to exploit her family name for opportunistic purposes. She focuses on developing her own style and projects. Her professional and artistic choices show great maturity.
Throughout her young career, Malia has also been keen to promote stories with a strong social dimension. She is nonetheless very inspired by her parents’ legacy. She incorporates elements of reflection on contemporary issues and human relationships into her scripts. For her, cinema should not only entertain but also provoke thought, creating dialogues around sensitive subjects.
During the ceremony in Deauville, Malia appeared serene and very moved. “I am so excited. It is both terrifying and exhilarating,” she said when receiving her award. Her outfit, a bold tartan ensemble by Vivienne Westwood, reflected a certain freedom of spirit.
With this first recognition, Malia Obama proves that she is much more than just an heir to a great name. She positions herself among the young creators to watch closely in the coming years.