Sumpter played young Michelle Obama in the romantic comedy-drama film '' Southside with You '' , a biopic about the early romance between Barack and Michelle Obama . The film premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and received positive reviews from critics . Sumpter also co-produced the film . She received positive reviews for her performance . '' Variety '' placed her in its list of one of the " Biggest Breakthrough Performances " at Sundance , writing in its review , " It ’s a tall order to bring a living , breathing icon to life . But that ’s just what Sumpter does , checking in with America ’s First Lady before she ever landed at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue . Playing Michelle Robinson when she was just an up-and-coming corporate lawyer , Sumpter slowly lets her guard down , allowing an idealistic Barack Obama to charm her into going to an art show , a community gathering and a Spike Lee film . " Sumpter is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority . She was inducted into the organization on July 10 , 2016 , at the 67th annual Boule , in Atlanta , Georgia
2016 Sundance Film Festival
2016 Sundance Film Festival
Tika Sumpter