The Piano Lesson Director Malcolm Washington and John David Washington Honored at 60th Chicago Film Festival

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

The festival’s opening festivities will take place on October 16. The Netflix adaptation of August Wilson’s play is a family affair from Washington. In addition to siblings Malcolm and John David, The piano lesson is executive produced by their father, Denzel Washington, along with his frequent collaborator Todd Black. Their sister, Katia Washington, serves as executive producer and mother, Pauletta Washington, plays the role of Mama Ola.

In Wilson’s famous play, a battle rages in Charles’ household. At the center is a prized heirloom piano that drives two siblings apart. On one side, a brother plans to build the family fortune by selling it. On the other, a sister is willing to do anything to preserve the only remnant of the family legacy. Their uncle tries to mediate, but even he can’t stop 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 takes place from October 16 to 27.