Denzel Washington Is Proud of Director Son Malcolm atThe Piano LessonPremiere: 'Excited About Our Future' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Denzel Washingtonis one proud dad.

The two-time Oscar winner supported his youngest son,Malcolm Washington, 33, who makes his directorial debut withThe Piano Lesson, at the Toronto International Film Festival on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Denzel, 69, is a producer on the Netflix film, an adaptation ofAugust Wilson’s play.

Speaking with PEOPLE on the red carpet, Denzel says, “I’m proud to be a part of August Wilson in some small way.”

Of his son Malcolm, theGladiator IIactor adds, “I’m happy that people will get a chance to see what a filmmaker Malcolm is. I’m excited about our future together with August Wilson.”

The project is a family affair for the Washington family. It also stars Malcolm’s older brotherJohn David Washington, 40, while sister Katia Washington, 37, produced alongside her dad.

Denzel Washington.Monica Schipper/Getty

Pauletta Washington and Denzel Washington attend the premiere of “The Piano Lesson” during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 10, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario; Malcolm Washington attends the premiere of “The Piano Lesson” during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 10, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario

Monica Schipper/Getty

Malcolm’s film is also dedicated to his mother Pauletta; before the closing credits roll, a title card reads, “For mama.”

“This movie is so personal to me, and the people that I got to make it with are the closest people in my life,” Malcolm previously told PEOPLE at the Telluride Film Festival, where the movie had its world premiered. “My mom was at the center of it.”

Samuel L. JacksonandDanielle Deadwyleralso star in the drama.

Denzel Washington attends the premiere of “The Piano Lesson” during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 10, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

“On the other, a sister (Deadwyler) will go to any lengths to hold onto the sole vestige of the family’s heritage. Their uncle (Jackson) tries to mediate, but even he can’t hold back the ghosts of the past,” the synopsis adds.

Denzel Washington, Malcolm Washington, John David Washington.Neilson Barnard/Getty; Vivien Killilea/Getty

Denzel Washington, Malcolm Washington, John David Washington

Neilson Barnard/Getty; Vivien Killilea/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

The Piano Lessonwas first produced as a play in 1987. Jackson originated the role of Boy Willie when it opened at the Yale Repertory Theatre and laterworked as an understudyfor multiple roles when the production hit Broadway in 1990.

The new film also features performances fromErykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Jerrika Hinton, Gail Bean andCorey Hawkins. Two-timeOscarwinner Alexandre Desplat composed the music.

The Piano Lessonis in select theaters Nov. 8, then on Netflix Nov. 22.

source: people.com