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Following her own path
The exchange naturally led to a conversation about Malia, who has quietly built a career of her own in the entertainment industry.
Now 27, the aspiring filmmaker already has an impressive résumé, including a writing role on Donald Glover’s Swarm and the 2023 debut of her short film The Heart.
The Harvard graduate has also chosen to work professionally as Malia Ann, dropping the Obama surname as she establishes her own identity in Hollywood.
That is why Spielberg couldn’t resist making a joke about Obama’s movie-set debut.
“Even though your daughter is a filmmaker, Malia. So, I feel bad I scooped Malia,” he quipped.
Michelle’s response revealed just how determined her eldest daughter is to make it on her own.
“She doesn’t care. She will never invite us to anything that she does. You know, she doesn’t want us around her stuff.”
While the comment drew laughs, it also underscored a theme that has followed Malia throughout her young career. Rather than leaning on the connections that come with having a former president and first lady as parents, she appears determined to build her success independently.
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