Barack Obama’s Daughter Malia Makes Directorial Debut
Malia Obama walked the red carpet at the 2024 Deauville American Film Festival to promote her directorial debut
Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama, is making waves in Hollywood with her directorial debut.
Malia Obama attended the 50th annual Deauville American Film Festival to showcase her directorial debut, the short film “The Heart.”
The former first daughter dazzled in a Vivienne Westwood outfit as she walked the red carpet at the event in Deauville, France, on Friday.
The 26-year-old, known professionally as Malia Ann, graced the red carpet at the event’s opening ceremony and attended a screening of her short film The Heart, her directorial debut, for which she was honoured with the Young Spirit Award.
After previously working as a writer for hit series like Donald Glover’s “Swarm,” Malia has stepped into the director’s chair for the first time. The debut has generated significant buzz, with critics eager to see how she brings her vision to life on the big screen.
Malia, who graduated from Harvard University in 2021 with a degree in Visual and Environmental Studies, does not appear in the film herself. “The Heart” features performances by Tunde Adebimpe, LaTonya Borsay, and John Weigand, and was produced by Donald Glover’s company, Gilga.
The short is based on a story of a lonely man grieving the death of his mother who had made an odd request in her will.
“The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret,” Malia had shared in a video posted on the Sundance Institute’s YouTube channel on Jan. 17, “but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in these things.”
She added, “We hope you enjoy the film and it makes you feel a bit less lonely or at least reminds you not to forget about the people who are.”
