Malia Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, is making waves in the film industry with her short film “The Heart.” The film is set to screen at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Obama, credited as Malia Ann, not only wrote but also directed the project.
“The Heart” tells the story of a grieving son who receives an unusual request from his late mother in her will. The film explores themes of loss, forgiveness, regret, and the search for tenderness and closeness in lonely situations. In a video discussing the film, Obama expressed her hope that it would resonate with viewers and remind them to cherish the people in their lives.
This is not the first time “The Heart” has garnered attention. It was previously screened at the Telluride Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival, where it received recognition in the best live action short category. Obama’s talent as a writer was also showcased in her work on the limited series “The Swarm,” which was produced by Donald Glover.
At Sundance, the mention of Malia Obama sparked excitement during a press conference. Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions recalled his own festival highlights, including the screening of “Whiplash” and the debut of the Oscar-winning film “Get Out.” He mentioned that the first-ever screening of “Get Out” with a public audience took place at Sundance, and he fondly remembered that Barack Obama’s daughter was in attendance. This moment was significant and marked the beginning of Malia Obama’s journey in the film industry.
Malia Obama’s presence at Sundance and her contribution to the world of filmmaking have generated buzz and anticipation for “The Heart.” As audiences eagerly await its screening, it is clear that Malia Obama is making a name for herself as a talented filmmaker, following in the footsteps of her accomplished parents.