The Piano Lesson
Synopsis
A battle is brewing in the Charles household, tearing two siblings apart. At the center stands a prized heirloom piano: On one side, a brother (John David Washington) plans to build the family fortune by selling it. On the other, his sister (Danielle Deadwyler) will go to any lengths to hold onto the sole vestige of the family’s heritage. Their uncle (Samuel L. Jackson) tries to mediate, but even he can’t hold back the ghosts of the past.
Adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork, The Piano Lesson explores the intergenerational dynamics of identity, resilience, and transcendence, revealing startling truths about how we perceive the past and who gets to define our legacy. The film is directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington in his feature directorial debut. From Oscar-nominated producers Denzel Washington and Todd Black, and featuring an all-star cast including Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith with Danielle Deadwyler, and Corey Hawkins.
Awards Event
At the Opening Night screening, director and co-writer Malcolm Washington will receive the Festival’s Breakthrough Award for his visceral and compelling feature directorial debut and John David Washington will receive the Spotlight Award in recognition of the emotional complexity and power he brings to his transfixing performance as Boy Willie.
Screenings & Events
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Film Credits
- Denzel Washington, Todd Black
- Virgil Williams, Malcolm Washington
- Leslie Jones
- Michael Gioulakis
- Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins, Erykah Badu, Stephan James
- Alexandre Desplat
- Jennifer Roth, Constanza Romero, Katia Washington
- Netflix, Mundy Lane Entertainment, Escape Artists
Sponsors
Black Perspectives Program Sponsor
Film Patron
Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
