Former U.S. President Barack Obama recently shared a deeply personal decision made by his eldest daughter, Malia. In an interview on *The Pivot* podcast, hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder, Obama revealed that Malia has chosen to go by her full name, “Malia Ann,” rather than the recognizable “Obama” as she embarks on her filmmaking career.
At 26, Malia directed her first short film, *The Heart*, an 18-minute piece that premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. She had previously made a name for herself in the entertainment industry as a writer on the Emmy-nominated series *Swarm*.
Since its debut, *The Heart* has earned acclaim, winning the Best Live Action Short and Young Spirit Awards at the Chicago International Film Festival and France’s Deauville Film Festival.
During the podcast, posted on YouTube, Obama proudly shared, “Malia, she’s making movies.” He mentioned her film’s festival appearances, including at Sundance, where her name appeared as “Malia Ann” in the credits rather than “Obama.” When he asked her about this choice, she replied, “I want them to see it without any preconceptions.”
Obama noted that many children of prominent figures are now striving to create independent identities. He expressed his pride but admitted it can be challenging to offer them help, as they’re determined to succeed on their own.
Malia’s work has sparked mixed reactions. Some Sundance reviewers labeled her a “nepo baby,” or a “nepotism baby,” noting that few emerging filmmakers work with industry giants like *Swarm* co-creator Donald Glover.
Reflecting on raising children in the spotlight, Obama recounted an agreement he made with the White House press pool: “Follow me, cover me—my kids didn’t choose this, so let them grow up in peace.” He credited the press’s respect for helping Malia and her younger sister, Sasha, enjoy a relatively private childhood.
However, public attention has grown as the sisters entered adulthood. The increased paparazzi presence sometimes frustrates them, though they remain grounded, Obama shared.
The discussion around Malia’s career continued in the media. *The Daily Beast* questioned her debut in an article titled “Nepo Baby of the Week: Is Malia Obama’s Film Debut Any Good?” While their review of *The Heart* was mixed, it described the film as “warm, subtle, and a bit quirky”—a respectable first effort for a new director. *The New York Times*’ Kyle Buchanan called it “well-shot” and “promising,” even hinting at some notable connections in the closing credits.
When asked if he missed anonymity, Obama joked, “I miss just walking around unnoticed… but that’s a high-class problem.” He playfully suggested disguising himself with a beard and dreadlocks but admitted his ears might give him away.
In past interviews, his wife, Michelle Obama, has spoken candidly about the challenges they faced raising children in the public eye. In her memoir, she revealed that both Malia and Sasha were conceived through in-vitro fertilization.
Barack Obama Viewers Reaction
Viewers’ reactions to the podcast on YouTube highlighted how the Obamas’ openness underscores their journey to balance private and public life—a journey Malia’s career now echoes in a unique way.
