Former President Barack Obama recently shared insights on a “Pivot” podcast episode, discussing the challenges his daughter Malia faces in distancing herself from the Obama legacy as she builds her film career. “Dropping her name wouldn’t hide her connection,” he noted, adding that “Her first film went to Sundance and all these fancy film festivals, and she didn’t credit Obama as the director.”
Barack explained that Malia, 25, hopes her work will stand on its own, separate from any preconceptions tied to her family. As a father of Sasha, 23, and Malia, he commented on how they strive to avoid using their status for career advantages: “Our daughters go out of their way not to use that.” He admitted it’s a challenge to let them pursue their own paths without parental involvement, saying, “They’re very stubborn about it.”
Earlier this year, Whoopi Goldberg defended Malia’s choice to credit herself as “Malia Ann,” saying on her show, “She has the right to be whoever she wants to be!”
Malia recently appeared at the Deauville American Film Festival, promoting her short film and showcasing her independent journey, both as a filmmaker and a budding style icon.
