In 2017, a number of sources confirmed that Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, had secured an internship with Harvey Weinstein, the former Hollywood producer being accused of s*xual harassment.
The 72-year-old was given a 23-year prison sentence after being found guilty in 2020 of first-degree criminal s*xual act and third-degree r*pe. However, in the case that served as a catalyst for the MeToo movement, New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned the Oscar-winning producer’s 2020 s*x crime conviction.
Harvey Weinstein (Image via Flickr)
In light of this, social media took to X, bringing up a unique connection between the 44th President of the United States and Weinstein. Having said that, the news of Malia Obama interning for The Weinstein Company’s co-founder has caused quite an uproar among the public.
The Public Outcry: Malia Obama’s Involvement with Harvey Weinstein
The eldest...
The 72-year-old was given a 23-year prison sentence after being found guilty in 2020 of first-degree criminal s*xual act and third-degree r*pe. However, in the case that served as a catalyst for the MeToo movement, New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned the Oscar-winning producer’s 2020 s*x crime conviction.
Harvey Weinstein (Image via Flickr)
In light of this, social media took to X, bringing up a unique connection between the 44th President of the United States and Weinstein. Having said that, the news of Malia Obama interning for The Weinstein Company’s co-founder has caused quite an uproar among the public.
The Public Outcry: Malia Obama’s Involvement with Harvey Weinstein
The eldest...
- 4/26/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Malia Obama is getting in some exercise.
The 25-year-old filmmaker, who is also the daughter of former President Barack Obama, went for a hike with one of her friends in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday afternoon (April 12) in Hollywood, Calif.
Photos: Check out the latest pics of Malia Obama
For her hike, Malia wore a lime green cardigan over a black sports bra and matching black leggings.
Back in January, Malia made her first-ever red carpet appearance at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where she debuted her new short film The Heart.
Also during the film festival, Malia revealed her new stage name.
You can get also get an update on what Malia‘s younger sister Sasha Obama has been up to recently here.
Click through the gallery inside for 55+ pictures of Malia Obama out hiking with her friend…...
The 25-year-old filmmaker, who is also the daughter of former President Barack Obama, went for a hike with one of her friends in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday afternoon (April 12) in Hollywood, Calif.
Photos: Check out the latest pics of Malia Obama
For her hike, Malia wore a lime green cardigan over a black sports bra and matching black leggings.
Back in January, Malia made her first-ever red carpet appearance at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where she debuted her new short film The Heart.
Also during the film festival, Malia revealed her new stage name.
You can get also get an update on what Malia‘s younger sister Sasha Obama has been up to recently here.
Click through the gallery inside for 55+ pictures of Malia Obama out hiking with her friend…...
- 4/12/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Stepping out from her famous folks’ shadow, Barack Obama’s daughter Malia Ann Obama kicks off her directorial journey with a short film called The Heart, using a stage name for the gig. She’s all about blazing her own trail in the movie scene, aiming to be acknowledged for her talent, not just her last name.
Barack Obama and his family (credit: Instagram: barackobama)
This savvy move shows she’s dead set on building her identity, dodging the whole Nepo Baby label. But the real question is, does it actually shake off that tag or add a new layer to the mix?
Suggested“I think I love you”: Michelle Obama’s Hilarious Christmas Story About Barack Obama Proves Why They Are the Best Couple Out There Barack Obama’s Daughter Adopts Stage Name To Evade Nepo Baby Label
Malia Ann Obama is jumping into the film scene...
Barack Obama and his family (credit: Instagram: barackobama)
This savvy move shows she’s dead set on building her identity, dodging the whole Nepo Baby label. But the real question is, does it actually shake off that tag or add a new layer to the mix?
Suggested“I think I love you”: Michelle Obama’s Hilarious Christmas Story About Barack Obama Proves Why They Are the Best Couple Out There Barack Obama’s Daughter Adopts Stage Name To Evade Nepo Baby Label
Malia Ann Obama is jumping into the film scene...
- 2/23/2024
- by Muskan Chaudhary
- FandomWire
Malia Obama has a budding screenwriting career and now it’s revealed she won’t be using her full name!
The 25-year-old former First Daughter made her Sundance Film Festival debut in January, premiering her new short film The Heart.
Now, fans are just discovering that she has a new stage name, seemingly distancing her a bit from her famous family’s last name.
Keep reading to find out more…
In a “Meet the Artist” video feature, Malia introduces herself as Malia Ann, using her middle name and dropping her last name.
“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 these things,” Malia said in the video about her project. “We hope you enjoy the film and it makes you feel a bit less lonely, or at least reminds...
The 25-year-old former First Daughter made her Sundance Film Festival debut in January, premiering her new short film The Heart.
Now, fans are just discovering that she has a new stage name, seemingly distancing her a bit from her famous family’s last name.
Keep reading to find out more…
In a “Meet the Artist” video feature, Malia introduces herself as Malia Ann, using her middle name and dropping her last name.
“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 these things,” Malia said in the video about her project. “We hope you enjoy the film and it makes you feel a bit less lonely, or at least reminds...
- 2/21/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Malia Obama, 25, daughter of former President Barack Obama, just made her debut at the Sundance Film Festival with her short film The Heart.
Malia released her 18-minute short film at the festival. She is making a name for herself that goes beyond her title as former first daughter.
Malia is no stranger to the art of film production. She studied visual and environmental studies at Harvard University in addition to an internship with the Weinstein Company in 2017. After finishing her degree, she worked as a writer for an Amazon series titled Swarm. This show was created by Donald Glover, who also helped produce Obama’s short film.
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once,” Glover told GQ about the production of the short. “You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.
Malia released her 18-minute short film at the festival. She is making a name for herself that goes beyond her title as former first daughter.
Malia is no stranger to the art of film production. She studied visual and environmental studies at Harvard University in addition to an internship with the Weinstein Company in 2017. After finishing her degree, she worked as a writer for an Amazon series titled Swarm. This show was created by Donald Glover, who also helped produce Obama’s short film.
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once,” Glover told GQ about the production of the short. “You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.
- 1/31/2024
- by Morgan Lee Powers
- Uinterview
Sundance Film Festival ran from January 18-28 and, after a sluggish start, there were deals (click here for the latest), celebrity sightings, and a protest.
Christopher Nolan turned up to collect an honourary award at the festival’s opening night gala fundraiser and called the occasion a “full circle moment” 23 years after premeiring his breakout thriller Memento there back in 2001.
Kristen Stewart also attended the gala and starred in two films this year, while celebrity guests included Robert Downey Jr., Will Ferrell, and Malia Obama, who managed to attend somewhat under the radar with her short film The Heart credited to Malia Ann.
Christopher Nolan turned up to collect an honourary award at the festival’s opening night gala fundraiser and called the occasion a “full circle moment” 23 years after premeiring his breakout thriller Memento there back in 2001.
Kristen Stewart also attended the gala and starred in two films this year, while celebrity guests included Robert Downey Jr., Will Ferrell, and Malia Obama, who managed to attend somewhat under the radar with her short film The Heart credited to Malia Ann.
- 1/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
The sun is setting on the 2024 installment of the Sundance Film Festival, closing out a milestone 40th edition and leaving many headlines in its wake. Those included a whopping $17 million Netflix acquisition for a buzzy directorial debut, a pro-Palestine protest that shut down Main Street, a Sundance debut for a former first daughter, and the rise of standing ovations across Park City. If you weren’t able to make it out to the mountain, The Hollywood Reporter has rounded up what you missed.
Drawn Out or Dud Dealmaking?
Making an appearance as the moderator for the opening day press conference, Jason Blum, a festival veteran, offered an earnest plea for buyers: “The release schedule for the first half of the year is decimated, and I hope, particularly for theatrical distributors, that the market should be very, very healthy.” Whether or not this will happen remains to be seen. As with the past few years,...
Drawn Out or Dud Dealmaking?
Making an appearance as the moderator for the opening day press conference, Jason Blum, a festival veteran, offered an earnest plea for buyers: “The release schedule for the first half of the year is decimated, and I hope, particularly for theatrical distributors, that the market should be very, very healthy.” Whether or not this will happen remains to be seen. As with the past few years,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Chris Gardner and Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Malia Obama stepped onto a red carpet last week for the first time, with good reason. The former first daughter hit Park City for the Sundance Film Festival premiere of her short film The Heart, an 18-minute directorial debut that snagged a spot in the U.S. short fiction films program of the 2024 edition. The premiere screening happened on the fest’s opening day, Jan. 18, and screened two more times over the weekend. The budding filmmaker, who participated in all post-screening Q&As to discuss her work, also took time out of her busy schedule to screen the film and speak with a group of students at Park City High School about all things creative from writing to directing.
Malia Obama attended The Heart premiere and posed with her actors and short-film collaborators.
It wasn’t all work and no play for the 25-year-old daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama.
Malia Obama attended The Heart premiere and posed with her actors and short-film collaborators.
It wasn’t all work and no play for the 25-year-old daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama.
- 1/22/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Malia Obama is bringing her award-winning short film “The Heart” to Sundance.
The live-action short, which Obama wrote and directed using her middle name Malia Ann, previously screened at Telluride 2023 and won the Best Live Action Short award at the Chicago International Film Festival. “The Heart” follows a grieving son as he tries to carry out an obscure request left in his deceased mother’s will.
Obama is the 25-year-old daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. She previously worked in the “Swarm” writers room, served as a production assistant on CBS series “Extant,” and held internships on HBO series “Girls” and at the Weinstein Company.
In Obama’s Sundance “Meet the Artist” video, the filmmaker calls “The Heart” an “odd little story, somewhat of a fable.”
Obama added, “The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I...
The live-action short, which Obama wrote and directed using her middle name Malia Ann, previously screened at Telluride 2023 and won the Best Live Action Short award at the Chicago International Film Festival. “The Heart” follows a grieving son as he tries to carry out an obscure request left in his deceased mother’s will.
Obama is the 25-year-old daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. She previously worked in the “Swarm” writers room, served as a production assistant on CBS series “Extant,” and held internships on HBO series “Girls” and at the Weinstein Company.
In Obama’s Sundance “Meet the Artist” video, the filmmaker calls “The Heart” an “odd little story, somewhat of a fable.”
Obama added, “The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I...
- 1/19/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Malia Obama has lived her life in the spotlight, but she only just made her first-ever appearance on a red carpet!
The 25-year-old filmmaker and daughter of President Obama was all smiles at the premiere of her new short film The Heart during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on Thursday (January 18) at the Prospector Square Theatre in Park City, Utah.
Malia is the writer and director of the short film, marking her debut as a filmmaker.
Keep reading to find out more…
“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 these things,” Malia said in a video about her project. “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.”
Malia was...
The 25-year-old filmmaker and daughter of President Obama was all smiles at the premiere of her new short film The Heart during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on Thursday (January 18) at the Prospector Square Theatre in Park City, Utah.
Malia is the writer and director of the short film, marking her debut as a filmmaker.
Keep reading to find out more…
“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 these things,” Malia said in a video about her project. “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.”
Malia was...
- 1/19/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Malia Obama is bringing her short film The Heart to Sundance. The project is screening as part of the U.S. short fiction films at the Park City, Utah, festival.
Obama, who is credited as Malia Ann, wrote and directed the project, which is about a grieving son, whose mother left him an unusual request in her will. It debuted Wednesday and will screen throughout the week.
“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 these things,” said Obama in a video. “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.”
The Heart was previously screened at Telluride, as well as the Chicago International Film Festival, where it was recognized...
Obama, who is credited as Malia Ann, wrote and directed the project, which is about a grieving son, whose mother left him an unusual request in her will. It debuted Wednesday and will screen throughout the week.
“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 these things,” said Obama in a video. “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.”
The Heart was previously screened at Telluride, as well as the Chicago International Film Festival, where it was recognized...
- 1/19/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The chances of having your short film selected for Sundance Film Festival’s Short Film program is 0.004 percent – which means the lucky 53 short film selections from over 12,000 short film submissions will truly have the new (or added) opportunity to shine. Among the names that stick out, we find Palme d’Or winner Flóra Anna Buda (“27”), Calvin Lee Reeder’s The Procedure producer Carlos A.F. Lopez‘s “Dream Creep” and Malia Ann (daughter of the former U.S president) who was selected for TIFF back in September and will now head over for a Park City premiere to “The Heart.”…...
- 12/12/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Chicago – The 59th Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff) announced its competitive award winners on October 20th 2023, and the recipient of The Gold Hugo in the International Feature Film Competition – the festival’s top honor – is ‘Explanation for Everything” (directed by Gábor Reisz), a coming-of age story.
Picking up the Festival’s Silver Hugo in the International Feature Film competition is “The Delinquents” (directed by Rodrigo Moreno). In the New Directors Competition, Amr Gamal’s “The Burdened” takes the Gold Hugo and Ena Sendijarevic’s “Sweet Dreams” takes the Silver Hugo. The complete list of honorees is below.
“This year’s winning selections truly reflect a global perspective, giving audiences a glimpse into lives and lived experiences they might not have had the opportunity to explore before,” said Chicago International Film Festival Artistic Director Mimi Plauché. “Hailing from every region on the planet from Hungary to Mexico, Argentina to Yemen, Sudan to the U.
Picking up the Festival’s Silver Hugo in the International Feature Film competition is “The Delinquents” (directed by Rodrigo Moreno). In the New Directors Competition, Amr Gamal’s “The Burdened” takes the Gold Hugo and Ena Sendijarevic’s “Sweet Dreams” takes the Silver Hugo. The complete list of honorees is below.
“This year’s winning selections truly reflect a global perspective, giving audiences a glimpse into lives and lived experiences they might not have had the opportunity to explore before,” said Chicago International Film Festival Artistic Director Mimi Plauché. “Hailing from every region on the planet from Hungary to Mexico, Argentina to Yemen, Sudan to the U.
- 10/21/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
We finally have our first look at Amazon Prime Video's "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" reboot. On Sept. 14, Prime Video shared the first image from the series, which stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. The streamer also announced that the show, based on the film starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, will premiere in 2024.
Way back in February 2021, Glover announced he was teaming up with Phoebe Waller-Bridge for the series, but that September, Variety reported that the "Fleabag" star had exited the series. Glover revealed that Erskine would be joining him on the show in an April 2022 piece for Interview magazine.
Glover (who was interviewing himself) asked, "What happened with Phoebe Waller-Bridge? She was supposed to be on 'Smith,' right?" To which he replied, "Yeah. But classic creative differences." He then confirmed that the new Mrs. Smith is Erskine, who's known for starring in and co-creating Hulu's "PEN15." "She's dope,...
Way back in February 2021, Glover announced he was teaming up with Phoebe Waller-Bridge for the series, but that September, Variety reported that the "Fleabag" star had exited the series. Glover revealed that Erskine would be joining him on the show in an April 2022 piece for Interview magazine.
Glover (who was interviewing himself) asked, "What happened with Phoebe Waller-Bridge? She was supposed to be on 'Smith,' right?" To which he replied, "Yeah. But classic creative differences." He then confirmed that the new Mrs. Smith is Erskine, who's known for starring in and co-creating Hulu's "PEN15." "She's dope,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Kelsie Gibson
- Popsugar.com
Actor Sandra Hüller could be the critical darling of awards season with two acclaimed performances in two high-profile international feature contenders, France’s “Anatomy of a Fall” from Justine Triet and United Kingdom’s “The Zone of Interest” from Jonathan Glazer.
The German performer has opted to campaign her work in Glazer’s Holocaust-era drama for best supporting actress, Variety can reveal exclusively, greatly increasing her chances for possible double acting recognition this year. Her work in Triet’s French Oscar hopeful will be submitted for lead actress consideration.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
Both “Anatomy” and “Zone” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where the former won the prestigious Palme d’Or prize, marking the third time a woman director has won the award. The two films are coming off screening at the Telluride Film Festival and will stop...
The German performer has opted to campaign her work in Glazer’s Holocaust-era drama for best supporting actress, Variety can reveal exclusively, greatly increasing her chances for possible double acting recognition this year. Her work in Triet’s French Oscar hopeful will be submitted for lead actress consideration.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
Both “Anatomy” and “Zone” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where the former won the prestigious Palme d’Or prize, marking the third time a woman director has won the award. The two films are coming off screening at the Telluride Film Festival and will stop...
- 9/7/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Malia Obama, Oscar-winning directors The Daniels and “The Mandalorian” star Pedro Pascal were just a few of the notables who turned up in force for the first Los Angeles screening of A24’s holocaust drama “The Zone of Interest” on Tuesday night.
The intimate gathering at West Hollywood’s London Hotel was something akin to a bucket of ice water in a social Mojave, as the ongoing Hollywood strikes have shuttered red carpets and made party RSVPs into war room fodder for talent publicists and studio communications executives.
But “Zone of Interest,” from indie darling Jonathan Glazer, would not be ignored. Jamie Bell and Kate Mara, Simon Rex (“Red Rocket”) and DGA president Lesli Linka Glatter were all spotted mingling with the director and the film’s male lead Christian Friedel. Filmmakers David Lowery (“The Green Knight”), Catherine Hardwicke (“Twilight”), Hiro Murai (“Atlanta”), Raven Jackson (“All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt...
The intimate gathering at West Hollywood’s London Hotel was something akin to a bucket of ice water in a social Mojave, as the ongoing Hollywood strikes have shuttered red carpets and made party RSVPs into war room fodder for talent publicists and studio communications executives.
But “Zone of Interest,” from indie darling Jonathan Glazer, would not be ignored. Jamie Bell and Kate Mara, Simon Rex (“Red Rocket”) and DGA president Lesli Linka Glatter were all spotted mingling with the director and the film’s male lead Christian Friedel. Filmmakers David Lowery (“The Green Knight”), Catherine Hardwicke (“Twilight”), Hiro Murai (“Atlanta”), Raven Jackson (“All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt...
- 9/6/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
This year’s Telluride Film Festival will be missing its beloved co-founder, Tom Luddy, who died this year. Thus, the 2023 festival is dedicated to Luddy (1943-2023), as well as co-founders Bill Pence (1940-2022), James Card (1915-2000), and Stella Pence. Executive Director Julie Huntsinger, whose role expanded in the years since she joined the festival as managing director in 2007, is running the show solo for the first time.
Per usual, the 50th anniversary Tff edition covers a range of over eighty feature films, new features, shorts, and classic programs representing twenty-nine countries, along with filmmaker tributes, conversations, seminars, and student programs. Huntsinger is carrying on the Luddy legacy while at the same time showcasing her own taste. “Tom was a fearless leader until the bitter end,” said Huntsinger on the phone during a recent interview with IndieWire. “I miss him so much. I’m devoted to tradition and continuity, and I...
Per usual, the 50th anniversary Tff edition covers a range of over eighty feature films, new features, shorts, and classic programs representing twenty-nine countries, along with filmmaker tributes, conversations, seminars, and student programs. Huntsinger is carrying on the Luddy legacy while at the same time showcasing her own taste. “Tom was a fearless leader until the bitter end,” said Huntsinger on the phone during a recent interview with IndieWire. “I miss him so much. I’m devoted to tradition and continuity, and I...
- 8/30/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Toronto — Today, the Toronto International Film Festival® announced this year’s Short Cuts lineup, supported by Ontario Arts Council, showcasing 42 live action narrative, documentary, and animated shorts by a groundbreaking group of filmmakers representing 23 countries. More than half of this year’s selections are directed or co-directed by female and female-identifying filmmakers. TIFF alumni directors with new films at Short Cuts include Yann Demange, Jasmin Mozaffari, Miryam Charles, Farnoosh Samadi, Halima Ouardiri, Renee Zhan, Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto, and the team of Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan. Among the directors with short films at the Festival for the first time are Malia Ann and Canadian actor Mackenzie Davis. Among the notable performers in this year’s slate of new shorts are Riz Ahmed (Dammi) and Kaniehtiio Horn (Redlights).
A robust selection of new animated short films will be showcased in the programme this year. Animated films in Short Cuts include the...
A robust selection of new animated short films will be showcased in the programme this year. Animated films in Short Cuts include the...
- 8/9/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Toronto — Today, the Toronto International Film Festival® announced this year’s Short Cuts lineup, supported by Ontario Arts Council, showcasing 42 live action narrative, documentary, and animated shorts by a groundbreaking group of filmmakers representing 23 countries. More than half of this year’s selections are directed or co-directed by female and female-identifying filmmakers. TIFF alumni directors with new films at Short Cuts include Yann Demange, Jasmin Mozaffari, Miryam Charles, Farnoosh Samadi, Halima Ouardiri, Renee Zhan, Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto, and the team of Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan. Among the directors with short films at the Festival for the first time are Malia Ann and Canadian actor Mackenzie Davis. Among the notable performers in this year’s slate of new shorts are Riz Ahmed (Dammi) and Kaniehtiio Horn (Redlights).
A robust selection of new animated short films will be showcased in the programme this year. Animated films in Short Cuts include the...
A robust selection of new animated short films will be showcased in the programme this year. Animated films in Short Cuts include the...
- 8/9/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
The Toronto International Film Festival unveiled its Short Cuts showcase counting 42 live action narrative, documentary, and animated shorts from global filmmakers repping 23 countries.
That’s comprised of 21 World Premieres, 13 North American Premieres, and five International Premieres presented in 19 different languages.
More than half of this year’s selections are directed or co-directed by female and female-identifying filmmakers. TIFF alumni directors with new films at Short Cuts include Yann Demange (White Boy Rick), Jasmin Mozaffari, Miryam Charles, Farnoosh Samadi, Halima Ouardiri, Renee Zhan, Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto, and the team of Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan. Among the directors with short films at the Festival for the first time are Malia Ann and Canadian actor Mackenzie Davis. Among the notable performers in this year’s slate of new shorts are Riz Ahmed in Dammi and Kaniehtiio Horn in Redlights.
Animated films in Short Cuts include the...
That’s comprised of 21 World Premieres, 13 North American Premieres, and five International Premieres presented in 19 different languages.
More than half of this year’s selections are directed or co-directed by female and female-identifying filmmakers. TIFF alumni directors with new films at Short Cuts include Yann Demange (White Boy Rick), Jasmin Mozaffari, Miryam Charles, Farnoosh Samadi, Halima Ouardiri, Renee Zhan, Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto, and the team of Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan. Among the directors with short films at the Festival for the first time are Malia Ann and Canadian actor Mackenzie Davis. Among the notable performers in this year’s slate of new shorts are Riz Ahmed in Dammi and Kaniehtiio Horn in Redlights.
Animated films in Short Cuts include the...
- 8/9/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Forty-two short films from 23 countries will screen in the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival’s Short Cuts section, TIFF organizers announced on Wednesday.
The shorts include “Dammi,” which stars Riz Ahmed and was directed by Yann Mounir Demange, an Emmy nominee in 2021 for “Lovecraft Country”; “Electra,” a new film by Czech director Daria Kascheeva, who was nominated for an Oscar for the animated short “Mother”; “27,” for which director Flora Anna Duba won the Short Film Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival; and “Woaca,” the directorial debut of Canadian actor Mackenzie Davis.
According to TIFF, more than half the films are directed or co-directed by female or female-identifying filmmakers. Almost half the films, 19 out of the 42, are by Canadian filmmakers. Twenty one of the films will have their world premieres at TIFF.
The 2023 Toronto International Film Festival will run from Sept. 7 through Sept. 17.
The Short Cuts lineup, separated...
The shorts include “Dammi,” which stars Riz Ahmed and was directed by Yann Mounir Demange, an Emmy nominee in 2021 for “Lovecraft Country”; “Electra,” a new film by Czech director Daria Kascheeva, who was nominated for an Oscar for the animated short “Mother”; “27,” for which director Flora Anna Duba won the Short Film Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival; and “Woaca,” the directorial debut of Canadian actor Mackenzie Davis.
According to TIFF, more than half the films are directed or co-directed by female or female-identifying filmmakers. Almost half the films, 19 out of the 42, are by Canadian filmmakers. Twenty one of the films will have their world premieres at TIFF.
The 2023 Toronto International Film Festival will run from Sept. 7 through Sept. 17.
The Short Cuts lineup, separated...
- 8/9/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Toronto Film Festival has unveiled 42 short films to feature as part of its Short Cuts program in September, led by the Riz Ahmed-starrer Dammi and Redlights, toplined by Kaniehtiio Horn and Ellyn Jade.
Ahmed, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Sound of Metal and last year earned a Oscar for the live-action short The Long Goodbye, toplines Dammi, a short directed by French auteur Yann Mounir Demange and set to world premiere in Locarno before landing in Toronto. The film also stars Isabelle Adjani, Souheila Yacoub, Sandor Funtek and Suzy Bemba and is produced by Ami, the French fashion brand, which teased a trailer for the film in Cannes.
Demange has TV series credits that include Secret Diary of a Call Girl and Dead Set, and movie credits like ’71 and White Boy Rick. Renee Zhan, who earned the Jury Award for best animated...
Ahmed, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Sound of Metal and last year earned a Oscar for the live-action short The Long Goodbye, toplines Dammi, a short directed by French auteur Yann Mounir Demange and set to world premiere in Locarno before landing in Toronto. The film also stars Isabelle Adjani, Souheila Yacoub, Sandor Funtek and Suzy Bemba and is produced by Ami, the French fashion brand, which teased a trailer for the film in Cannes.
Demange has TV series credits that include Secret Diary of a Call Girl and Dead Set, and movie credits like ’71 and White Boy Rick. Renee Zhan, who earned the Jury Award for best animated...
- 8/9/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Barack Obama revealed that he watched daughter Malia’s work on Prime Video’s Swarm.
In a conversation with Hasan Minhaj on the comedian’s YouTube channel, Obama explained that he watched the drama series as a form of support. Donald Glover’s involvement was a plus, too.
“I watched it because, A) I was a big fan of Atlanta,” he said. “And I watched it because my daughter worked on it. So, of course, I’ve got to watch it.”
The former Patriot Act host asked the former president about the show’s pilot, which featured a sex scene between Damson Idris’ Khalid and Chlöe Bailey’s Marissa that Dominique Fishback’s Dre watched through a crack in the door.
“Look, if what you are suggesting is that there are aspects of that show that I found a little disturbing,” Obama said before trailing off. “That’s the nature of art these days,...
In a conversation with Hasan Minhaj on the comedian’s YouTube channel, Obama explained that he watched the drama series as a form of support. Donald Glover’s involvement was a plus, too.
“I watched it because, A) I was a big fan of Atlanta,” he said. “And I watched it because my daughter worked on it. So, of course, I’ve got to watch it.”
The former Patriot Act host asked the former president about the show’s pilot, which featured a sex scene between Damson Idris’ Khalid and Chlöe Bailey’s Marissa that Dominique Fishback’s Dre watched through a crack in the door.
“Look, if what you are suggesting is that there are aspects of that show that I found a little disturbing,” Obama said before trailing off. “That’s the nature of art these days,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America is getting even more Oval Office support.
First it was Joe Biden, and now Barack Obama has offered backing to striking scribes — again
Expanding on comments he made online back on May 17 when his Working: What We Do All Day docuseries on Netflix, the 44th Potus started off a livestream sit-down with Ira Glass by reading a prepared statement on the WGA Strike that started on May 2.
Credit: Netflix
In that thoughtful manner that exemplified his two-terms in the White House, President Obama today said:
Part of what this show Working is about is how certain things are constant about the work experience. People trying to find work that’s satisfying, people trying to pay the bills.
Unfortunately, one of the things that’s also been constant is the struggle for people to make sure their employers are treating them fairly and they’re getting...
First it was Joe Biden, and now Barack Obama has offered backing to striking scribes — again
Expanding on comments he made online back on May 17 when his Working: What We Do All Day docuseries on Netflix, the 44th Potus started off a livestream sit-down with Ira Glass by reading a prepared statement on the WGA Strike that started on May 2.
Credit: Netflix
In that thoughtful manner that exemplified his two-terms in the White House, President Obama today said:
Part of what this show Working is about is how certain things are constant about the work experience. People trying to find work that’s satisfying, people trying to pay the bills.
Unfortunately, one of the things that’s also been constant is the struggle for people to make sure their employers are treating them fairly and they’re getting...
- 5/25/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
When “Swarm” co-creator Janine Nabers went to Amazon Prime Video with her hit horror limited series, she told the streamer she wanted an all-Black writers’ room.
As soon as “Swarm” hit Prime Video, buzz about the thriller show, well, swarmed. The BeyHive-inspired series centers on a violently obsessed fan (played by Dominique Fishback) who stops at nothing to see her favorite superstar artist. The idea for the series was a co-creation between Nabers and Donald Glover.
“When we approached the idea for ‘Swarm,’ it was really about how can we as Black people tell a story from a Black woman’s perspective that gives it that cinematic lens,” Nabers said in the latest installment of TheWrap’s “How She Did It,” sponsored by Prime Video.
While working together wasn’t new for Nabers and Glover as the pair previously worked together on FX’s “Atlanta,” coming together to pitch the unique,...
As soon as “Swarm” hit Prime Video, buzz about the thriller show, well, swarmed. The BeyHive-inspired series centers on a violently obsessed fan (played by Dominique Fishback) who stops at nothing to see her favorite superstar artist. The idea for the series was a co-creation between Nabers and Donald Glover.
“When we approached the idea for ‘Swarm,’ it was really about how can we as Black people tell a story from a Black woman’s perspective that gives it that cinematic lens,” Nabers said in the latest installment of TheWrap’s “How She Did It,” sponsored by Prime Video.
While working together wasn’t new for Nabers and Glover as the pair previously worked together on FX’s “Atlanta,” coming together to pitch the unique,...
- 5/23/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Donald Glover is opening up about his time at “30 Rock”.
Speaking with GQ, he revealed show creator Tina Fey once told he was a “diversity hire”.
He joined the team behind the show in 2006, when he was still a resident assistant in Goddard, living in a dorm in New York City. Despite becoming a writer in show business, he didn’t find himself feeling included.
Read More: Donald Glover Reveals ‘This Is America’ Had ‘Started As A Drake Diss’
“It definitely didn’t feel like I was supposed to be there,” he told the outlet. “I used to have stress dreams every night where I was doing cartwheels on the top of a New York skyscraper with the other writers watching me.”
Glover once again recalled the moment Fey admitted to him he was hired for “diversity”.
“There is no animosity between us or anything like that, but [Tina Fey] said it herself…...
Speaking with GQ, he revealed show creator Tina Fey once told he was a “diversity hire”.
He joined the team behind the show in 2006, when he was still a resident assistant in Goddard, living in a dorm in New York City. Despite becoming a writer in show business, he didn’t find himself feeling included.
Read More: Donald Glover Reveals ‘This Is America’ Had ‘Started As A Drake Diss’
“It definitely didn’t feel like I was supposed to be there,” he told the outlet. “I used to have stress dreams every night where I was doing cartwheels on the top of a New York skyscraper with the other writers watching me.”
Glover once again recalled the moment Fey admitted to him he was hired for “diversity”.
“There is no animosity between us or anything like that, but [Tina Fey] said it herself…...
- 4/5/2023
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
Donald Glover has confirmed that he is in talks with Lucasfilm regarding the possibility of returning to the role of Lando Calrissian.
In a new interview with GQ, the 39-year-old multi-hyphenate reflected on how much he enjoyed portraying the beloved Star Wars character in 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story. Alluding to a reprisal of the role, he said: “We’re talking about it. That’s as much as I can say without [Lucasfilm president] Kathleen Kennedy hunting me down.”
Lucasfilm first announced a television series entitled Lando in 2020, but have yet to reveal any major details beyond the general premise. A statement from the time read: “The galaxy’s favorite scoundrel, Lando Calrissian, will return in Lando, a brand-new event series for [Disney+]. Justin Simien is in the early stages of developing the project.”
While it’s unclear if Glover is talking about the Simien project specifically, it is abundantly clear...
In a new interview with GQ, the 39-year-old multi-hyphenate reflected on how much he enjoyed portraying the beloved Star Wars character in 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story. Alluding to a reprisal of the role, he said: “We’re talking about it. That’s as much as I can say without [Lucasfilm president] Kathleen Kennedy hunting me down.”
Lucasfilm first announced a television series entitled Lando in 2020, but have yet to reveal any major details beyond the general premise. A statement from the time read: “The galaxy’s favorite scoundrel, Lando Calrissian, will return in Lando, a brand-new event series for [Disney+]. Justin Simien is in the early stages of developing the project.”
While it’s unclear if Glover is talking about the Simien project specifically, it is abundantly clear...
- 4/5/2023
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Film News
Donald Glover is opening up about Gilga, his production company headquartered in Ojai, California. One of the projects that have people buzzing is a short film created by Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of former President of the U.S. Barack Obama and former First Lady of the U.S. Michelle Obama.
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once,” Glover told GQ magazine in an interview. “You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.”
Glover says he’s been mentoring Malia throughout the process and his creative partner at Gilga, Fam Udeorji, weighed in about the former First Daughter adding, “Understanding somebody like Malia’s cachet means something. But we really wanted to make sure she could make what she wanted—even if it was a slow process.”
The...
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once,” Glover told GQ magazine in an interview. “You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.”
Glover says he’s been mentoring Malia throughout the process and his creative partner at Gilga, Fam Udeorji, weighed in about the former First Daughter adding, “Understanding somebody like Malia’s cachet means something. But we really wanted to make sure she could make what she wanted—even if it was a slow process.”
The...
- 4/4/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Donald Glover, through his new production company Gilga, is working with Malia Obama on her first short film.
The actor-writer-producer teased the collaboration with former President Barack Obama’s daughter and a writer on his new Amazon series Swarm, in a GQ magazine cover story published online Tuesday. During the conversation, Glover shared that in addition to backing her new project, he’s also mentoring her.
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once. You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around,” he said within a larger discussion about his company’s content ethos.
Glover’s longtime collaborator and creative partner at Gilga, Fam Udeorji, who was also a producer on Guava Island and EP on Swarm, added that the team ultimately wanted to support Obama in whatever she wanted to do.
The actor-writer-producer teased the collaboration with former President Barack Obama’s daughter and a writer on his new Amazon series Swarm, in a GQ magazine cover story published online Tuesday. During the conversation, Glover shared that in addition to backing her new project, he’s also mentoring her.
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once. You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around,” he said within a larger discussion about his company’s content ethos.
Glover’s longtime collaborator and creative partner at Gilga, Fam Udeorji, who was also a producer on Guava Island and EP on Swarm, added that the team ultimately wanted to support Obama in whatever she wanted to do.
- 4/4/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Donald Glover has claimed Tina Fey confirmed to him that he was only hired as a writer on 30 Rock because of NBC’s diversity initiative.
At 23 years old, the comedian landed his first writing job on the popular sitcom in 2006.
During that time, the network had introduced its diversity initiative, which allowed shows to add Black writers to the writers’ room without it affecting the budget.
“It was a diversity thing,” Glover told GQ of his hiring in a new interview. “There is no animosity between us or anything like that, but [Tina Fey] said it herself.
“The last two people who were fighting for the job were me and Kenya Barris,” he said. “I didn’t know it was between me and him until later.”
Glover recalled the Black-ish creator “hit me one day and he was like, ‘I hated you for years’”.
“It definitely didn’t feel like I was supposed to be there,...
At 23 years old, the comedian landed his first writing job on the popular sitcom in 2006.
During that time, the network had introduced its diversity initiative, which allowed shows to add Black writers to the writers’ room without it affecting the budget.
“It was a diversity thing,” Glover told GQ of his hiring in a new interview. “There is no animosity between us or anything like that, but [Tina Fey] said it herself.
“The last two people who were fighting for the job were me and Kenya Barris,” he said. “I didn’t know it was between me and him until later.”
Glover recalled the Black-ish creator “hit me one day and he was like, ‘I hated you for years’”.
“It definitely didn’t feel like I was supposed to be there,...
- 4/4/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Malia Obama is staying in the Donald Glover business. As part of a new GQ cover story on the “Atlanta” creator, Glover revealed that his newly-created production company, Gilga, is developing a short film with Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama. GQ confirmed Malia is “creating” the short film. It’s unconfirmed at this time if Malia will direct the project.
Malia already has experience working with Glover as part of the writer’s room of his buzzy Amazon Prime Video series “Swarm,” which debuted March 17 on the streaming platform. Malia had a writing credit on the show’s fifth episode, “Girl Bye,” alongside series co-creator Janine Nabers.
As part of the GQ cover, Glover reflected on how he is mentoring Malia in the entertainment world. “The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once,” Glover said.
Malia already has experience working with Glover as part of the writer’s room of his buzzy Amazon Prime Video series “Swarm,” which debuted March 17 on the streaming platform. Malia had a writing credit on the show’s fifth episode, “Girl Bye,” alongside series co-creator Janine Nabers.
As part of the GQ cover, Glover reflected on how he is mentoring Malia in the entertainment world. “The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once,” Glover said.
- 4/4/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Donald Glover has described the uncompromising advice he gave to Malia Obama while collaborating on a TV series.
Obama, who is the daughter of former US president Barack Obama, worked as a staff writer on the recent Prime Video series Swarm, which Glover created.
In an interview with GQ, Glover – who has been mentoring the 24-year-old – recalled an early interaction with Obama.
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once,” he said.
According to the Atlanta star, he told her: “You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.”
Elsewhere in the piece, Glover discussed his production studio Gilga, and the origins of Liam Neeson’s provocative appearance in the third season of Atlanta.
In the series, Neeson appears as himself, patronising a bar called the “cancel club”. In an interaction...
Obama, who is the daughter of former US president Barack Obama, worked as a staff writer on the recent Prime Video series Swarm, which Glover created.
In an interview with GQ, Glover – who has been mentoring the 24-year-old – recalled an early interaction with Obama.
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once,” he said.
According to the Atlanta star, he told her: “You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.”
Elsewhere in the piece, Glover discussed his production studio Gilga, and the origins of Liam Neeson’s provocative appearance in the third season of Atlanta.
In the series, Neeson appears as himself, patronising a bar called the “cancel club”. In an interaction...
- 4/4/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Chlöe Bailey discussed the internet frenzy surrounding that “Swarm” sex scene in a new interview with Et Canada’s Jed Tavernier.
Bailey stars as Marissa in the TV series, with her hitting headlines after being shown having sex early on in the opening episode. Some criticized the scene in question for being so explicit.
Read More: Chlöe Bailey Gets Support From Trevor Jackson Amid ‘Swarm’ Sex Scene Controversy
The singer didn’t let the reaction bother her, telling Tavernier: “I was laughing about it. I am really proud of my performance in that show and being on set with such incredible actors like Damson [Idris] and Dominique [Fishback] and being directed by Donald Glover and being on set with the likes of Malia Obama and Janine [Nabers] and everybody.
“I learned so much being on that set. I also learned that it’s okay to be imperfect as an actor because...
Bailey stars as Marissa in the TV series, with her hitting headlines after being shown having sex early on in the opening episode. Some criticized the scene in question for being so explicit.
Read More: Chlöe Bailey Gets Support From Trevor Jackson Amid ‘Swarm’ Sex Scene Controversy
The singer didn’t let the reaction bother her, telling Tavernier: “I was laughing about it. I am really proud of my performance in that show and being on set with such incredible actors like Damson [Idris] and Dominique [Fishback] and being directed by Donald Glover and being on set with the likes of Malia Obama and Janine [Nabers] and everybody.
“I learned so much being on that set. I also learned that it’s okay to be imperfect as an actor because...
- 3/31/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Rory Culkin leaves nothing to the imagination during a scene in “Swarm”, the new Prime Video series co-created by Janine Nabers and Donald Glover (“Atlanta”).
In the scene, the series’ protagonist, Dre (Dominique Fishback), is seen registering surprise when the guy she hooked up with the night before offers a bowl of strawberries — which happen to be positioned right next to his exposed genitals.
According to Nabers, the scene is only partly fictional, and was originally inspired by something that once happened to Glover after a similar hookup.
Read More: Chlöe Bailey Gets Support From Trevor Jackson Amid ‘Swarm’ Sex Scene Controversy
“Donald told this very funny story about a girl who he really liked, and how after they hooked, he was standing there with a bowl of cherries, just being like, ‘Hey,'” Nabers told Insider at the South by Southwest Film & TV festival in Austin.
“She was like,...
In the scene, the series’ protagonist, Dre (Dominique Fishback), is seen registering surprise when the guy she hooked up with the night before offers a bowl of strawberries — which happen to be positioned right next to his exposed genitals.
According to Nabers, the scene is only partly fictional, and was originally inspired by something that once happened to Glover after a similar hookup.
Read More: Chlöe Bailey Gets Support From Trevor Jackson Amid ‘Swarm’ Sex Scene Controversy
“Donald told this very funny story about a girl who he really liked, and how after they hooked, he was standing there with a bowl of cherries, just being like, ‘Hey,'” Nabers told Insider at the South by Southwest Film & TV festival in Austin.
“She was like,...
- 3/21/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Janine Nabers, co-creator of Amazon Prime Video’s new thriller series “Swarm,” tells TheWrap how her fear and fascination of stan culture and fandom helped mold the idea for her and Donald Glover’s new buzzy BeyHive-inspired series.
Nabers says there’s fans, and then there’s people like Dre (Dominque Fishback), the main character in her new show, which is centered on the aloof, calculated and creepy superfan of the Beyoncé-esque R&b singer Ni’Jah. Despite having never met her, Dre feels there’s no wrong that Ni’Jah can do, as in her eyes she is the epitome of perfection, and if you express otherwise it could be the last breath you ever take.
While murder isn’t the option most fans would take to defend their favorite celebs, the show highlights the darkness, obsessiveness and sometimes jarring behavior stan and fan culture exhibits. Nabers says...
Nabers says there’s fans, and then there’s people like Dre (Dominque Fishback), the main character in her new show, which is centered on the aloof, calculated and creepy superfan of the Beyoncé-esque R&b singer Ni’Jah. Despite having never met her, Dre feels there’s no wrong that Ni’Jah can do, as in her eyes she is the epitome of perfection, and if you express otherwise it could be the last breath you ever take.
While murder isn’t the option most fans would take to defend their favorite celebs, the show highlights the darkness, obsessiveness and sometimes jarring behavior stan and fan culture exhibits. Nabers says...
- 3/21/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Rory Culkin’s nude scene was inspired by a one-night stand Donald Glover had.
During a chat with Insider, co-creator Janine Nabers shared that the moment was recreated from a real-life event Glover had.
Also Read:
Malia Obama Wrote for Donald Glover’s New Thriller ‘Swarm’ for Amazon
“Donald told this very funny story about a girl who he really liked, and how after they hooked, he was standing there with a bowl of cherries, just being like, ‘Hey,'” Nabers told the outlet. “She was like, so not into it, because it’s so weird to hook up with a guy that you barely know and then wake up with him holding a bowl of cherries.”
This prompted Nabers to include it in the show.
“Swarm” fans online are responding to the scene that threw a lot of watchers off because, well, everyone got a full-frontal view of Culkin.
During a chat with Insider, co-creator Janine Nabers shared that the moment was recreated from a real-life event Glover had.
Also Read:
Malia Obama Wrote for Donald Glover’s New Thriller ‘Swarm’ for Amazon
“Donald told this very funny story about a girl who he really liked, and how after they hooked, he was standing there with a bowl of cherries, just being like, ‘Hey,'” Nabers told the outlet. “She was like, so not into it, because it’s so weird to hook up with a guy that you barely know and then wake up with him holding a bowl of cherries.”
This prompted Nabers to include it in the show.
“Swarm” fans online are responding to the scene that threw a lot of watchers off because, well, everyone got a full-frontal view of Culkin.
- 3/21/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
This post contains spoilers for Prime Video's series "Swarm."
"Swarm" is one of the wildest new shows on TV this year. The Prime Video series from Janine Nabers and Donald Glover follows an obsessive fan of the fictional pop star Ni'Jah (who is very clearly a stand-in for Beyoncé) who goes on a killing spree after losing her only friend. The shocking seven-episode show has plenty of talented people on board: "Judas and the Black Messiah" actress Dominique Fishback stars as the fan in question, Dre, while celebrities including Chloe Bailey, Billie Eilish, Paris Jackson, and more make appearances.
But the show also has some surprising talent behind the camera: Malia Obama, credited as Malia Ann, makes her TV writing debut with the show's fifth episode. The daughter of former President Barack Obama reportedly graduated from Harvard in 2021 after majoring in Visual and Environmental Studies, and ended up on the...
"Swarm" is one of the wildest new shows on TV this year. The Prime Video series from Janine Nabers and Donald Glover follows an obsessive fan of the fictional pop star Ni'Jah (who is very clearly a stand-in for Beyoncé) who goes on a killing spree after losing her only friend. The shocking seven-episode show has plenty of talented people on board: "Judas and the Black Messiah" actress Dominique Fishback stars as the fan in question, Dre, while celebrities including Chloe Bailey, Billie Eilish, Paris Jackson, and more make appearances.
But the show also has some surprising talent behind the camera: Malia Obama, credited as Malia Ann, makes her TV writing debut with the show's fifth episode. The daughter of former President Barack Obama reportedly graduated from Harvard in 2021 after majoring in Visual and Environmental Studies, and ended up on the...
- 3/20/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
The former First Daughter Malia Obama is already receiving praise as a first-time screenwriter for her work on the Prime Video show Swarm.
Janine Nabers, the co-creator of the thriller series with Donald Glover, said some of Obama’s pitches were “wild as hell” and demonstrated her ability as “an incredible writer.”
50 Best Celebrity Bikinis Slideshow!
Obama collaborated with Nabers on the fifth episode, “Girl, Bye,” which follows a young woman named Dre (Dominique Fishback) who becomes obsessed with a fictional R&b star (Nirine S. Brown).
Obama included a dig at former President Donald Trump in the screenplay. It contains a real-life clip of CNN host Don Lemon listing several of Trump’s scandals and his belief that “only criminals plead the fifth.” This was in reference to his civil fraud investigation last year where the former president pleaded the fifth over 400 times.
Nabers also stated that Obama was...
Janine Nabers, the co-creator of the thriller series with Donald Glover, said some of Obama’s pitches were “wild as hell” and demonstrated her ability as “an incredible writer.”
50 Best Celebrity Bikinis Slideshow!
Obama collaborated with Nabers on the fifth episode, “Girl, Bye,” which follows a young woman named Dre (Dominique Fishback) who becomes obsessed with a fictional R&b star (Nirine S. Brown).
Obama included a dig at former President Donald Trump in the screenplay. It contains a real-life clip of CNN host Don Lemon listing several of Trump’s scandals and his belief that “only criminals plead the fifth.” This was in reference to his civil fraud investigation last year where the former president pleaded the fifth over 400 times.
Nabers also stated that Obama was...
- 3/20/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
In a simpler time before the “Nepo Baby” discourse began, Donald Glover and Janine Nabers made headlines in 2022 when they hired former First Daughter Malia Obama as a writer for their FX series “Swarm.” It seemed like a natural fit, considering that the show dealt with the experiences of people who achieve fame at a young age, something that Obama was forced to become familiar with whether she liked it or not. It was an intriguing hire from the moment it was announced, and now we’re starting to see the results.
Television is an inherently collaborative medium, and it’s always difficult to gauge the impact that any individual staff writer can have on a show. But it sounds like the experiment is working quite well thus far. In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Nabers said that the writing staff is thrilled with the impact that Obama has made so far.
Television is an inherently collaborative medium, and it’s always difficult to gauge the impact that any individual staff writer can have on a show. But it sounds like the experiment is working quite well thus far. In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Nabers said that the writing staff is thrilled with the impact that Obama has made so far.
- 3/18/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Malia Obama just made her TV writing debut on Donald Glover’s new Amazon Prime Video thriller “Swarm.”
The Beyoncé and BeyHive-inspired eight-episode thriller just hit Prime Video screens Friday. It tells the story of a violently obsessed fan who will stop at nothing to see her favorite Bey-like R&b star Ni’Jah in concert. “Swarm” was a co-creation from Janine Nabers and Donald Glover.
Joining in as one of the staff writers for the series was Obama, who is credited under the name Malia Ann. This is Obama’s TV writing debut, though she has writing credits on the web series “West Wing Week” and for the documentary “By the People: The Election of Barack Obama.”
Also Read:
‘Swarm’ Drops New Music Featuring Childish Gambino as Thriller Series Hits Prime Video
Obama worked with Nabers to pen the episode “Girl, Bye.” In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Nabers...
The Beyoncé and BeyHive-inspired eight-episode thriller just hit Prime Video screens Friday. It tells the story of a violently obsessed fan who will stop at nothing to see her favorite Bey-like R&b star Ni’Jah in concert. “Swarm” was a co-creation from Janine Nabers and Donald Glover.
Joining in as one of the staff writers for the series was Obama, who is credited under the name Malia Ann. This is Obama’s TV writing debut, though she has writing credits on the web series “West Wing Week” and for the documentary “By the People: The Election of Barack Obama.”
Also Read:
‘Swarm’ Drops New Music Featuring Childish Gambino as Thriller Series Hits Prime Video
Obama worked with Nabers to pen the episode “Girl, Bye.” In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Nabers...
- 3/18/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
While “Swarm” comes from the minds of Donald Glover and Janine Nabers, both of whom worked together on “Atlanta” before they co-created the Prime Video series, it also features contributions from Malia Obama, who makes her TV writing debut on the show.
And Obama’s episode does not disappoint, with Nabers, who serves as the series’ showrunner, telling Et that “[‘Girl, Bye’] is probably one of the wildest episodes.” She adds, “I think it’s going to surprise a lot of people. It’s pretty dope. I’m really proud of it.”
Read More: Billie Eilish Makes Surprise Acting Debut in Donald Glover's 'Swarm' Series: Watch a Clip
Without giving anything away, “Swarm” follows a young woman named Dre (Dominique Fishback), who goes on an increasingly violent journey following an unexpected trauma involving her sister, Marissa (Chloe Bailey), as she tries to get closer to her idol, the Houston-born singer Ni’Jah.
And Obama’s episode does not disappoint, with Nabers, who serves as the series’ showrunner, telling Et that “[‘Girl, Bye’] is probably one of the wildest episodes.” She adds, “I think it’s going to surprise a lot of people. It’s pretty dope. I’m really proud of it.”
Read More: Billie Eilish Makes Surprise Acting Debut in Donald Glover's 'Swarm' Series: Watch a Clip
Without giving anything away, “Swarm” follows a young woman named Dre (Dominique Fishback), who goes on an increasingly violent journey following an unexpected trauma involving her sister, Marissa (Chloe Bailey), as she tries to get closer to her idol, the Houston-born singer Ni’Jah.
- 3/17/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Swarm, the latest TV project from Atlanta creator Donald Glover and Atlanta contributor Janine Nabers, isn’t shy about its inspirations.
This surreal seven-episode Prime Video horror saga follows a young woman named Andrea “Dre” Green (Dominique Fishback) whose obsession with fictional pop music legend Ni’Jah takes her to some dark, violent places. If the name of the show and the persistent buzzing a bee hive that opens each episode didn’t make it clear, Ni’Jah is very clearly an analogue for our culture’s own queen bee: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter … or more simply “Beyoncé.”
In speaking to Den of Geek prior to Swarm‘s premiere at SXSW 2023, Nabers discussed the legal and creative intricacies of crafting a fictional character based on the world’s biggest music star.
“Amazon is a very successful corporation so nothing gets past them that is not finely combed through,” Nabers says. “When...
This surreal seven-episode Prime Video horror saga follows a young woman named Andrea “Dre” Green (Dominique Fishback) whose obsession with fictional pop music legend Ni’Jah takes her to some dark, violent places. If the name of the show and the persistent buzzing a bee hive that opens each episode didn’t make it clear, Ni’Jah is very clearly an analogue for our culture’s own queen bee: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter … or more simply “Beyoncé.”
In speaking to Den of Geek prior to Swarm‘s premiere at SXSW 2023, Nabers discussed the legal and creative intricacies of crafting a fictional character based on the world’s biggest music star.
“Amazon is a very successful corporation so nothing gets past them that is not finely combed through,” Nabers says. “When...
- 3/17/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Dominique Fishback's normally sweet personality has gotten the axe in Prime Video's "Swarm." Instead, she's embodying an unhinged stan of a Beyoncé-esque artist named Ni'Jah. The new thriller series - from the minds of cocreators/executive producers Donald Glover and Janine Nabers, and a team of writers that includes Malia Obama - stars the 31-year-old as Dre, an overly passionate fan whose obsession with Ni'Jah, the world's biggest pop star, sends her on a peculiar cross-country journey to protect the superstar's good name and reputation. The series also features Chloë Bailey, who plays Dre's sister, Marissa; and "Snowfall"'s Damson Idris, who portrays Marissa's boyfriend, Khalid.
Interestingly enough, Fishback was never the intended lead for "Swarm." According to Vanity Fair, the actor was originally approached to play Bailey's role (which comes as a surprise to the singer who says she "cannot imagine Dre being somebody else"), but...
Interestingly enough, Fishback was never the intended lead for "Swarm." According to Vanity Fair, the actor was originally approached to play Bailey's role (which comes as a surprise to the singer who says she "cannot imagine Dre being somebody else"), but...
- 3/17/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
“Who’s your favorite artist?” asks Dre (Dominique Fishback) of the characters she meets along her journey in “Swarm,” Prime Video’s clever and fiendish horror satire. She poses the question with a cheerful lilt that belies the menace behind it, much like Ghostface when he conducts targeted phone surveys about the slasher genre in the “Scream” franchise. Dre’s respondents don’t know how high the stakes are, nor that there’s a correct answer: Ni’Jah, a messianic pop princess who bears striking similarities to Beyoncé, right down to the cultish following with zero appetite for dissent.
Dre lives a mostly unexamined life in pre-pandemic Houston, fumbling through her 20s without much direction aside from whatever will get her closer to her favorite singer’s inner circle. Her roommate, Marissa (Chloe Bailey), is just as enamored of Ni’Jah, but is hustling as a hair and makeup artist...
Dre lives a mostly unexamined life in pre-pandemic Houston, fumbling through her 20s without much direction aside from whatever will get her closer to her favorite singer’s inner circle. Her roommate, Marissa (Chloe Bailey), is just as enamored of Ni’Jah, but is hustling as a hair and makeup artist...
- 3/15/2023
- by Joshua Alston
- Variety Film + TV
The buzz is legit.
Prime Video’s Swarm kicked off the South by Southwest Film & Television Festival on Friday night with its world premiere – a two-episode screening that left audiences gasping and applauding.
“We know that the show is propulsive,” warned co-creator and showrunner Janine Nabers, who made the series (trailer below) along with Atlanta colleague Donald Glover, who directed the pilot. “We know that it’s going to evoke a lot of conversation. We know that people are going to have a lot of responses and may be angry or really inspired. So I just want you guys to know that if you have any feelings after watching this, and if you really want to tweet about it, then tweet at Donald.”
While Glover didn’t attend in person, he taped a mock Cameo message that played before the screening where he pretended as if Amazon had paid him...
Prime Video’s Swarm kicked off the South by Southwest Film & Television Festival on Friday night with its world premiere – a two-episode screening that left audiences gasping and applauding.
“We know that the show is propulsive,” warned co-creator and showrunner Janine Nabers, who made the series (trailer below) along with Atlanta colleague Donald Glover, who directed the pilot. “We know that it’s going to evoke a lot of conversation. We know that people are going to have a lot of responses and may be angry or really inspired. So I just want you guys to know that if you have any feelings after watching this, and if you really want to tweet about it, then tweet at Donald.”
While Glover didn’t attend in person, he taped a mock Cameo message that played before the screening where he pretended as if Amazon had paid him...
- 3/11/2023
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Award-winning Atlanta creator Donald Glover has a new television project, Swarm, part of his eight-figure overall deal with Amazon Prime. The series, which will be available to stream on Prime Video March 17, had its world premiere Friday at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas.
Cast members Dominique Fishback and Chloe Bailey were joined by showrunner Janine Nabers and writer Jamal Olori to talk about the series and its writing staff, which includes former First Daughter Malia Obama.
“I remember, in passing, we’d see each other, like at the White House Easter Egg Roll,” recalls Bailey on her relationship with Obama. “Her mom [Michelle Obama] has always been so warm and welcoming to my sister [fellow actress and musician Halle Bailey], and so seeing her again as we were older and evolved into women and owning ourselves and our creative minds, it was really cool. It felt like a group of...
Cast members Dominique Fishback and Chloe Bailey were joined by showrunner Janine Nabers and writer Jamal Olori to talk about the series and its writing staff, which includes former First Daughter Malia Obama.
“I remember, in passing, we’d see each other, like at the White House Easter Egg Roll,” recalls Bailey on her relationship with Obama. “Her mom [Michelle Obama] has always been so warm and welcoming to my sister [fellow actress and musician Halle Bailey], and so seeing her again as we were older and evolved into women and owning ourselves and our creative minds, it was really cool. It felt like a group of...
- 3/11/2023
- by Hilton Dresden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Two weeks ago, Amazon unveiled an unnerving teaser trailer for their horror thriller series Swarm, executive produced by Donald Glover. Now a full trailer has arrived online to give us a deeper look at the show’s story and characters, and you can check it out in the embed above.
With the logline “Murder. Sex. Music.”, Swarm stars Dominique Fishback (Judas and the Black Messiah) as Dre, a young woman whose obsession with a pop star takes a dark turn. Swarm will have its premiere at the SXSW festival next month, then it will be available to watch on Amazon Prime as of March 17th. All of the episodes will be released on that date.
Glover created Swarm with Atlanta co-executive producer Janine Nabers and directed the pilot episode. Glover and Nabers executive produced the show together, and Nabers also served as showrunner. In addition to the show’s creators,...
With the logline “Murder. Sex. Music.”, Swarm stars Dominique Fishback (Judas and the Black Messiah) as Dre, a young woman whose obsession with a pop star takes a dark turn. Swarm will have its premiere at the SXSW festival next month, then it will be available to watch on Amazon Prime as of March 17th. All of the episodes will be released on that date.
Glover created Swarm with Atlanta co-executive producer Janine Nabers and directed the pilot episode. Glover and Nabers executive produced the show together, and Nabers also served as showrunner. In addition to the show’s creators,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The first full look at Swarm shows an obsessed fan’s descent into depression and violence.
The upcoming Prime Video series from co-creators and executive producers Janine Nabers and Donald Glover (Atlanta) stars Dominique Fishback as Dre, “a young woman obsessed with the world’s biggest pop star who sets off on an unexpected cross-country journey.”
The series will help kick off the South by Southwest Film & Television Festival as an opening night selection on March 10.
Nabers (Watchmen) serves as showrunner for the series and Glover directed the pilot. Malia Obama is among the writers in the room, as The Hollywood Reporter previously reported. Swarm also represents Glover’s first project under his Amazon overall deal.
The cast of Swarm also includes Chlöe Bailey, Damson Idris, Rickey Thompson, Paris Jackson, Rory Culkin, Kiersey Clemons, and Byron Bowers.
Prime Video will release all its Swarm episodes on March 17.
The upcoming Prime Video series from co-creators and executive producers Janine Nabers and Donald Glover (Atlanta) stars Dominique Fishback as Dre, “a young woman obsessed with the world’s biggest pop star who sets off on an unexpected cross-country journey.”
The series will help kick off the South by Southwest Film & Television Festival as an opening night selection on March 10.
Nabers (Watchmen) serves as showrunner for the series and Glover directed the pilot. Malia Obama is among the writers in the room, as The Hollywood Reporter previously reported. Swarm also represents Glover’s first project under his Amazon overall deal.
The cast of Swarm also includes Chlöe Bailey, Damson Idris, Rickey Thompson, Paris Jackson, Rory Culkin, Kiersey Clemons, and Byron Bowers.
Prime Video will release all its Swarm episodes on March 17.
- 2/24/2023
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
An unnerving teaser trailer for the Amazon horror thriller series Swarm, executive produced by Donald Glover, has arrived online and you can check it out in the embed above. With the logline “Murder. Sex. Music.”, Swarm stars Dominique Fishback (Judas and the Black Messiah) as Dre, a young woman whose obsession with a pop star takes a dark turn. Which explains why we hear the line “Who is your favorite artist?” over and over in the teaser trailer – because this woman’s interest in her favorite artist (which The Hollywood Reporter heard could be a Beyoncé-like figure) is going to lead to some trouble.
Swarm will have its premiere at the SXSW festival next month, then it will be available to watch on Amazon Prime as of March 17th. All of the episodes will be released on that date.
Glover created Swarm with Atlanta co-executive producer Janine Nabers and directed the pilot episode.
Swarm will have its premiere at the SXSW festival next month, then it will be available to watch on Amazon Prime as of March 17th. All of the episodes will be released on that date.
Glover created Swarm with Atlanta co-executive producer Janine Nabers and directed the pilot episode.
- 2/10/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
In some ways, the scariest people on the internet are pop star stans, and “Swarm” – a new psychological thriller series from Donald Glover – knows it. Amazon Prime Video released an eerie teaser trailer for the series, which premieres on March 17.
The series follows Dre (Dominique Fishback), an unstable young woman whose obsessive fandom of a Beyoncé-inspired pop star takes her to dark places. “We just thought it’d be fun to make a post-truth ‘Piano Teacher’ mixed with ‘The King of Comedy’,” Glover told Vanity Fair, giving a sense of the show’s tonal touchpoints. The teaser is appropriately unnerving, showing shots of Dre anxiously sitting in a medical waiting room, holding a sledgehammer while an injured man drags himself across the floor away from her, and mopping up blood while she dances ecstatically. In a menacing voiceover, she repeats “Who is your favorite artist?” The sickening buzz of...
The series follows Dre (Dominique Fishback), an unstable young woman whose obsessive fandom of a Beyoncé-inspired pop star takes her to dark places. “We just thought it’d be fun to make a post-truth ‘Piano Teacher’ mixed with ‘The King of Comedy’,” Glover told Vanity Fair, giving a sense of the show’s tonal touchpoints. The teaser is appropriately unnerving, showing shots of Dre anxiously sitting in a medical waiting room, holding a sledgehammer while an injured man drags himself across the floor away from her, and mopping up blood while she dances ecstatically. In a menacing voiceover, she repeats “Who is your favorite artist?” The sickening buzz of...
- 2/10/2023
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
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