Malia Obama, at the age of 25, introduces a new moniker as she embarks on her Hollywood journey.

Malia Obama, the offspring of former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, is now an adult charting her own course – and she’s even opted for a name change.

The 25-year-old recently unveiled her first directorial venture, ‘The Heart’, at the Sundance Film Festival.

Intriguingly, her family’s last name was conspicuously absent from the film’s credits.

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia (L) and Sasha (R) pictured at the White House in 2015. Credit: Pete Souza / The White House / Getty.

Born Malia Ann Obama on July 4, 1998, her middle name pays tribute to her paternal grandmother, who succumbed to ovarian cancer at 52 in 1995. Growing up in the limelight as the President’s daughter and graduating from Harvard, Malia opted to explore a career in screenwriting.

In her latest project, The Heart, where Malia assumes the roles of director and screenwriter, she adopted the pseudonym Malia Ann. Making a striking appearance on the festival’s red carpet earlier this year, Malia enjoyed the premiere of her movie.

Though, this venture into filmmaking isn’t Malia’s inaugural foray into the industry. In 2021, she contributed to the writing team for the series Swarm, which later streamed on Amazon Prime. With notable cast members such as Billie Eilish and Rory Culkin, Swarm marked a promising start to her professional journey.

Malia Ann Obama graced the premiere of ‘The Heart’ at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Photo credit goes to Dia Dipasupil / Getty.

Janine Nabers, the co-creator of Swarm, praised Malia’s talent in a conversation with E! Online, saying, “Her pitches were wildly creative, exceptionally good, and downright hilarious. She’s an extraordinary writer. She contributed significantly… She’s truly committed to her craft.”

Despite her distinguished family background, Stephen Glover, the executive producer of Swarm, was quick to assert that Malia received no special treatment compared to the rest of the creative team.

He confessed to Vanity Fair, “We can’t go easy on her just because she’s the daughter of the [former] President. But, she’s very grounded and cool. So, it’s not an issue at all.

Credit: Dia Dipasupil / Getty.

Proud parents Barack and Michelle Obama have openly expressed their pride in Malia, showering her with affectionate birthday wishes on her recent 25th birthday.

“Happy birthday to this talented, hilarious, and beautiful young woman,” Barack wrote on Instagram. “Malia, I hope 25 brings you everything you’re looking for and more.”

Michelle echoed her husband’s words, posting: “Happy birthday, Malia! I feel so lucky to be your mom and to be able to watch you become the wonderful young woman you are today. Love you so much! ”

From Malia Obama to Malia Ann, from the President’s daughter to a budding Hollywood screenwriter and director, it’s clear that there is a bright future ahead!