In a surprising turn of events, a young filmmaker has accused a prominent new director of borrowing ideas for a high-profile advertisement.
According to the New York Post, this story centers on Malia Obama, who recently debuted as a director with a one-minute Nike commercial released earlier this month, now facing allegations of copying visual elements from an indie filmmaker's short film.
The accuser, indie filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris, claims that specific scenes in Obama's ad bear a striking resemblance to her work.
At the heart of the controversy is Harris's 2024 short film titled "Grace," a 14-minute piece that she believes has been mirrored in Obama's project. Harris, a 27-year-old artist, points to a particular scene featuring two young Black girls playing pat-a-cake, which she says is depicted with near-identical techniques in both works.
She has highlighted technical aspects such as camera angles, framing styles, shot composition, and even the color palette as being remarkably alike.
The two filmmakers crossed paths last year at the Sundance Film Festival, where both had competition entries.
During the event, Harris showcased "Grace," while it marked a significant red-carpet moment for Obama in her emerging career. This prior meeting adds a layer of complexity to the current dispute over creative originality.
Harris has expressed deep disappointment over the situation, emphasizing the emotional toll it has taken on her as an independent creator.
In her own words to Business Insider, she stated, "It's not about the game. It's about the cinematic tools used to depict it." Her sentiments reflect a broader concern about the challenges faced by lesser-known artists in the industry.
Harris took to social media to further elaborate on her perspective, shedding light on systemic issues within the filmmaking world.
As Harris shared on X: I know art often overlaps, but moments like this hit hard when you've poured your heart into telling stories with care and barely get the recognition you deserve. If brands want a certain look, why not hire from the source instead of for name recognition.
She also described the experience as "devastating," particularly when viewing side-by-side comparisons of the disputed shots.
Malia Obama, who has previously expressed a desire to distance herself from familial fame by dropping her last name, aimed to avoid perceptions of nepotism in her career.
Despite the allegations, neither Obama nor Nike has issued a response to inquiries from The Post regarding the controversy. This silence leaves many questions unanswered about the creative process behind the advertisement.
Harris's critique extends beyond this single incident, pointing to a recurring pattern in how major brands engage with talent. She argues that prioritizing individuals with established names over emerging voices stifles innovation in storytelling. Her comments resonate with many in the indie film community who feel overlooked by larger corporations.
The visual parallels between the two works have fueled online debates about artistic integrity and influence in modern media. Side-by-side images shared by Harris have intensified scrutiny of Obama's directorial debut with Nike.
These comparisons continue to circulate, drawing attention to the fine line between inspiration and imitation.
As this story unfolds, it raises important questions about how emerging directors navigate their creative journeys in a competitive field. For Harris, the incident underscores the need for greater visibility and support for independent artists striving to make their mark.
Meanwhile, the lack of comment from Obama and Nike leaves the public curious about their stance on these claims.
The dispute between Malia Obama and Natalie Jasmine Harris brings to light ongoing tensions within the creative industry over originality and recognition. With shared moments at Sundance and strikingly similar visual elements in question, the situation prompts reflection on ethical boundaries in filmmaking.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on fostering an environment where all artists, regardless of background, can thrive without fear of their work being overshadowed.
