Film Independent Presents in partnership with CULTURED Magazine

You’re invited to join us for a theatrical screening of The Piano Lesson, followed by an in-person conversation with writer/director Malcolm Washington, co-writer Virgil Williams, actor John David Washington and composer Alexandre Desplat.

A battle is brewing in the Charles Household. At the center stands a prized heirloom piano tearing two siblings apart. On one side, a brother (John David Washington) plans to build the family fortune by selling it. On the other, a 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 by Malcolm Washington, in his feature 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. Co-written for the screen by Virgil Williams & Malcolm Washington, and featuring music scored by Alexandre Desplat.

The film’s world premiere took place at the Telluride Film Festival, prior to its international premiere as a special presentation at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. The film was the Audience Award winner at Newport Beach Film Festival & Montclair Film Festival, and will receive the Ensemble Award at this year’s Gotham Awards.

The Piano Lesson opens in select theaters on November 8, before streaming exclusively on Netflix November 22.
 
A fiercely realized adaptation of the great August Wilson play. An audacious feature debut by director Malcolm Washington. Danielle Deadwyler is magnetic.
– Kyle Smith, The Wall Street Journal

Alexandre Desplat’s thundering score highlights the stakes of these verbal tussles.
– Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter
 

 
2024, 125 minutes, color | Directed by Malcolm Washington | Written by Malcom Washington and Virgil Williams | Starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins, Erykah Badu, and Skylar Aleece Smith | Produced by Denzel Washington and Todd Black | Executive Produced by Constanza Romero Wilson, Jennifer Roth, and Katia Washington
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members are guaranteed access to, and receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

Film Independent Members can register for this event starting at 5:00 pm on Thursday, November 7. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Masks are optional. This is subject to change as we continue to monitor public health guidance.

Parking at Pacific Design Center will be validated for this event. Please note that the screening and conversation will take place in the Blue Building on the Pacific Design Center campus.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per Membership, per event.

Members are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.