Malia Obama Screens Short Film at Sundance, Hopes It Makes Audiences ‘Feel a Bit Less Lonely’

Malia Obama is making waves in the movie business.

The 25-year-old daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama, 62, is bringing a short film that she wrote and directed to the Sundance Film Festival.

The project, which she created under the name Malia Ann (Ann is her middle name), is called The Heart and it will be screened as part of the U.S. short fiction films at the festival, per The Hollywood Reporter.

The Heart is about a grieving son whose mother left him an unusual request in her will when she died, according to THR.

Interviewed about the project by the film festival in a segment called "Meet The Artist," Malia revealed, “The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in those things.”

“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," she continued about the project.

Malia appeared on the red carpet at the film festival, which is held at the Prospector Square Theater in Park City Utah, looking chic in a gray maxi coat, white button-down shirt and black jeans. She teamed her low-key look with a gray scarf and brown boots.

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Malia previously worked as a writer on the Prime Video thriller series Swarm. In March 2023, Janine Nabers, a showrunner on that set, told Entertainment Tonight that Harvard-educated Malia was an “incredible writer” who “brought a lot to the table.”

"She's really, really dedicated to her craft,” Nabers added.

This week, the Obamas celebrated the 60th birthday of former first lady Michelle Obama. On Wednesday, President Obama posted a beautiful picture of Michelle in a yellow sundress against an ocean backdrop and praised his wife of 31 years with an Instagram tribute. 

“This is what 60 looks like,” Barack wrote. “Happy birthday to my better half — who happens to be one of the funniest, smartest, most beautiful people I know. @MichelleObama, you make every day better.”

The A Promised Land author finished his post on a hopeful note, adding, “I can’t wait to see what this new decade brings you.”

Back in October, Michelle also paid tribute to her husband to mark their 31st wedding anniversary.

"31 years, and a lifetime to go. I love going through life with you by my side, @BarackObama," she wrote alongside a photo of the couple smiling amid a beautiful sunset. "Happy anniversary, honey!"