Malcolm Washington knows a thing or two about legacy. As the youngest son of Denzel and Pauletta Washington, he grew up in a movie-making family of actors, directors and producers. Now, Malcolm is entering the family business with his debut feature film, 'The Piano Lesson,' which is an adaptation of the revered August Wilson play of the same name. It’s about what we pass on from one generation to another and the legacy we leave. Malcolm sits down with Tom Power to discuss his directorial debut, how he personally connected with the story’s themes of legacy, and what it’s like to carve out your own path when your father is a truly legendary actor.
00:00 Introduction
00:53 On choosing this story for his debut feature
02:12 His mom's family photos and their history
04:56 How that history inspired the film
06:13 What the word "legacy" means to him
07:41 On sharing Boy Willie's plight
09:00 Working with his family
10:45 Samuel L. Jackson's deep connection to 'The Piano Lesson'
13:27 Understanding August Wilson
15:34 His path to the film industry
17:30 The future projects he's interested in
18:28 On family keepsakes and rituals
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