This Short Film Spotlighting Non-Profit Pianos for People Serves as Testament to Power of Music

St. Louis-based non-profit Pianos for People will premiere a powerful short film encouraging viewers to “Give The Gift of Music”. The film, directed by Nate Townsend, serves as a statement piece for the organisation, whose mission is to “break down financial barriers and leverage the piano as a gateway to empowerment, community and self-esteem.” That a piano can be so much more than that is what Townsend sets out to illustrate in The Gift of Music. 

Since its founding in 2012, Pianos for People has delivered over 500 pianos throughout the St. Louis area. It also offers free piano lessons at its flagship schools in Saint Louis and Ferguson – which currently enrols over 200 students. Leading up to a major fundraising event in October, the organisation commissioned its late founder Tom Townsend’s son, director Nate Townsend, to produce a film capturing the spirit and mission of the organisation.

Starring Greta Sesheta (Grey’s Anatomy, Shameless) and newcomer Ezrah Lin (For All Mankind), the narrative follows jazz pianist Helen, who at the tail-end of a storied career, reflects on a life enriched by music. Committed to paying it forward, Helen donates her upright to Pianos for People, ensuring the instrument is given new life and a loving home. 

In his approach to the story, Townsend looked inward. “I know the impact a piano can have because I’ve lived it. The ways in which my father instilled creative passions in me at a young age – whether it be music, writing, or filmmaking – shaped me into the person I am today.” Nate’s father Tom founded the organisation after the tragic loss of his son Alex (Nate’s brother). Tom passed away in 2020. 

To write the script, Nate Townsend partnered with longtime collaborator Mike McCormick (CCO, Horsefeathers), whose previous leadership for Pianos for People has received international acclaim – including multiple National Addys and a D&AD Pencil. 

The score for the film was written and composed by world-renowned jazz pianist Peter Martin. 

Michael Hurst executive produced under the production company he shares with Nate, Townsend Hurst. Post-production services were provided by Coolfire Studios. The digital premiere is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2024.