The Piano Lesson is a 2024 drama film directed by Malcolm Washington. He also helped write the script with Virgil Williams.
The movie is based on a play by August Wilson from 1987. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Danielle Deadwyler, and Corey Hawkins.
The movie premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2024. It opened in theaters in the U.S. on November 8, 2024, and will be available on Netflix starting November 22, 2024.
Story: The film is set in 1936 in Pittsburgh, right after the Great Depression. It follows the Charles family, who live in a house owned by Doaker Charles. The story is about a special family piano, passed down through generations.
The piano has carvings made by an ancestor who was once enslaved. These carvings are a key part of the family’s history and emotions. The piano is a symbol of the family’s past and their struggles.
Where Is The Piano Lesson Filmed?
The Piano Lesson is filmed in various locations throughout the USA. Filming began in Atlanta in April 2023.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
The Piano Lesson is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Some scenes for the movie were filmed there, but the production also used other locations in the United States.
Pittsburgh, often called the “Steel City,” is in southwestern Pennsylvania. It has a rich history, beautiful buildings, and a lively cultural scene. Once known for its steel industry, the city is now a modern and thriving place.
Pittsburgh is located where three rivers meet—the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio. This unique spot gives the city a stunning, scenic backdrop. With over 446 bridges, Pittsburgh has more bridges than any other city in the world!
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Although The Piano Lesson is set in Pittsburgh, most of the film was actually shot in Atlanta.
Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, is a lively city full of history and modern energy. Known as the “City in the Forest,” it has many trees and a rich cultural scene.
Atlanta played an important role in the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park honors his life and work
The city is a mix of many cultures, offering a wide variety of food, music, and art. Atlanta is home to the High Museum of Art, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Canton, Georgia, USA
Canton was also featured in some scenes in the film. Canton is a small, friendly city in Cherokee County, just north of Atlanta.
It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful nature. The city sits by the Etowah River, where people can fish, kayak, and enjoy other fun water activities. The Blue Ridge Mountains are nearby, offering great places to hike and camp.
Macon, Georgia, USA
Some scenes are also filmed in Macon. According to Aaron Buzza, Senior Vice President and COO of Visit Macon, the film’s producers “fell in love” with the area when they visited it.
They felt Macon was “perfect” for a few key scenes, according to What’s On Netflix.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q: What is The Piano Lesson about?
A: The Piano Lesson is a drama film set in 1936, following the Charles family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The story revolves around a special family piano, passed down through generations, with carvings made by an ancestor who was once enslaved.
Q: Who stars in The Piano Lesson?
A: The film stars a talented cast including Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Danielle Deadwyler, and Corey Hawkins.
Q: Where was The Piano Lesson filmed?
A: While The Piano Lesson is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, much of the film was actually shot in Atlanta, Georgia. Other filming locations include Canton, Georgia, and Macon, Georgia.
Q: When did The Piano Lesson premiere?
A: The Piano Lesson premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2024. It opened in U.S. theaters on November 8, 2024, and will be available to stream on Netflix starting November 22, 2024.
Q: Where can I watch The Piano Lesson?
A: The Piano Lesson will be available to stream on Netflix starting November 22, 2024.