‘The Piano Lesson’ Director Malcolm Washington & Star John David Washington Honored As Film Opens 60th Chicago Film Festival

EXCLUSIVE: The 60^th Chicago International Film Festival has named the Netflix film The Piano Lesson as its opener, and the fest award first time director and co-writer Malcolm Washington its Breakthrough Award. The film’s star, John David Washington, will be presented the Spotlight Award “in recognition of the emotional complexity and power he brings to his transfixing performance as Boy Willie.”

The festival opening festivities take place October 16. The Netflix adaptation of the August Wilson play is a Washington family affair. Aside from siblings Malcolm and John David, The Piano Lesson is produced by their father, Denzel Washington, alongside his oft-collaborator Todd Black. Their sister, Katia Washington, is executive producer, and mom, Pauletta Washington, plays the role of Mama Ola.

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In the famous Wilson play, a battle brews in the Charles household. At the center stands a prized heirloom piano tearing two siblings apart. On one side, a brother plans to build the family fortune by selling it. On the other, a sister will go to any lengths to hold onto the sole vestige of the family’s heritage. Their uncle tries to mediate, but even he can’t hold back the ghosts of the past. John David Washington stars alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, and Skyler Aleece Smith, Danielle Deadwyler and Corey Hawkins.

The Chicago International Film Festival runs October 16 – 27.

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