Malia Ann, formerly known as Malia Obama, is making a name for herself in the film industry by choosing to use her middle name professionally, distancing her work from her family’s legacy. Her debut film, “The Heart,” credits her as Malia Ann, a decision influenced by her desire for audiences to view her work without preconceived notions tied to her family name. Barack Obama, her father, discussed this choice on The Pivot Podcast, noting that both Malia and her sister Sasha are determined to establish their careers independently of their parents’ fame. Barack emphasized the importance of allowing his daughters to forge their own paths, despite the attention they receive due to their upbringing. He recalled creating an understanding with the press during his presidency to respect his children’s privacy. Recently, Malia attended the Deauville American Film Festival in France, where she expressed excitement and nervousness about her new experiences in the public eye.