Malia Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama, faces criticism for allegedly imitating indie filmmaker styles in her recent Nike ad. The 26-year-old directed two promotional videos for WNBA star A’ja Wilson’s signature shoe, the A’One, which launched on May 6.
Accusations of Stylistic Mimicry
Critics argue that Obama’s direction mirrors the aesthetic of independent filmmakers, raising questions about originality. One of the videos features a young girl teaching Wilson a basketball-themed version of “Miss Mary Mack,” highlighting themes of Black girlhood and cultural pride. The second video presents an intimate interview with Wilson at Big T’s Bar-B-Que in Columbia, South Carolina, her hometown.
Some observers claim these elements closely resemble the work of established indie directors, suggesting a lack of unique vision. However, supporters argue that Obama’s approach brings fresh perspectives to mainstream advertising.
Obama’s Growing Filmmaking Career
This project marks another step in Obama’s burgeoning career in filmmaking. She previously wrote for Amazon Prime’s “Swarm” and directed the short film “The Heart,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. At Sundance, she described her film as exploring “lost objects, and lonely people, and forgiveness, and regret,” aiming to uncover “where tenderness and closeness can exist in these things.”
Obama’s involvement in the Nike campaign aligns with her artistic interests, blending storytelling with cultural themes. While some critics question her originality, others view her work as a meaningful contribution to contemporary media.