Matrell Smith

THE PIANO LESSON premieres on november 22!

🎬✨ “Crawley’s family—bound by blood, divided by time, and brought together in a way you’ll never see on stage.” What an incredible journey on the set of The Piano Lesson! This project has been a dream come true, and it reminded me that there are no small roles—every contribution matters and shapes the story. Huge thanks to Malcolm Washington for leading with such purpose and passion, and to the Washington family for their unwavering support. @malcolmdubb Working alongside Danielle Deadwyler was an honor—her talent is unmatched. To Skylar Smith, who played my daughter, your warmth and authenticity brought every scene to life. @danielledeadwyler @itsmeskylar2013 To the amazing cast and hardworking crew, thank you for your dedication and energy. You made this experience unforgettable. I can’t wait for the world to see what we’ve created. Stay tuned—it’s something special. 🖤 Photo credit: David Lee, courtesy of Netflix. #ThePianoLesson #Gratitude #ActorLife #AugustWilson #Legacy

Teacher Appreciation Week 🙏🏾 Grateful to be in a position to teach, guide, and support my students every day. It’s bigger than the classroom, it’s about making an impact. #TeacherAppreciationWeek

Sweet Like Mango 🥭🎬 Premiere night. Red carpet. Love. Grateful for @vjs.visuals And the Montclair family 🤝🏾 #SweetLikeMango #PremiereNight

As we continue sharing the magic behind REAL TALK, our film family is reflecting on a simple but powerful question: What was the most meaningful part of creating this work? First up: @matrellsmith , our James. “The most meaningful part of creating REAL TALK was honestly layered. First, it was the bond we built on set — a true sense of brotherhood and sisterhood between the crew and the incredible cast. There was deep trust, care, and support that made the work feel safe, honest, and collaborative. For me personally, carrying the emotional weight of James was transformative. I knew he was holding so much, and stepping into those spaces required me to go deeper than I ever had before. It stretched me — not only as an artist, but as a man. But what truly confirmed everything was seeing the audience response. Watching people walk out of screenings with tears in their eyes. Knowing the story connected. Knowing it sparked something real. That’s when I realized we did our job. If it helped even one person begin to heal, then it was bigger than us. Grateful to have been part of it.” 📷 Photo courtesy of @christian_padron_

Stills from “Real Talk” 35:40 Two screens. 35mm. Super 16. Super 8. The Museum of Modern Art Floor 4 — The Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis Studio - Directed by @samorapinderhughes & @christian_padron_ Written by @samorapinderhughes , @christian_padron_ , Kassim Norris & Saudade Toxosi Produced by @s_ariza & @shayanajmalfarooq Executive Producers @samorapinderhughes , @healingprojectsound Starring @matrellsmith @jasaichaseowens & @noremacphoto Director of Photography Kassim Norris Camera Operator @tristanalexoliveira 1st AC @gabrielelikesfilm Loader @gibney_cam Add’l Loader #tarashafa 2nd AC @michaelfadugbagbe Chief Lighting Technician @conormurdock Key Grip #jesussanchez Add’l Key Grip Mo Guadalupe, Alex Aguila Swing @stephanjoseph_ Production Design @jaclyngoldstein Set Dressers @abbey.harris84 , @el_ee_uht Production Sound @ashagian Add’l Production Sound @condiment_keith Casting @s_ariza Choreography @amanda.krische 1st AD @shayanajmalfarooq 2nd AD @ayesha_lebreton

Opening night of Call and Response at @themuseumofmodernart an exhibition by @samorapinderhughes featuring a powerful two-channel film by Samora and @christian_padron_ . 🎥✨ Being part of this project was truly an honor. Working alongside such an incredible cast and crew is something I’ll always be grateful for. This isn’t just something you watch, it’s something you feel. So I definitely encourage everyone to experience it in person. This film tells the story of a family navigating the impacts of incarceration while searching for freedom, love, and healing. In times like these, I hope this work brings understanding, compassion, and light to our communities. 🤍🙏 From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every single person who gave their all to this project. I’ll forever cherish the moments we shared on set and the love that went into this work. 📍 On view through Feb 15 📍 MoMA, Floor 4 — The Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis Studio ⏰ On loop during museum hours @christian_padron_ my brother, you’re brilliant. Grateful for you always. 🎬🖤 @samorapinderhughes — love you bro!!! Forever thankful for the vision and trust. 🙌🏾🔥

candid moments from this morning⛅️🥹🎄💞, my babies. merry christmas !!! -with love from The Smiths xx #christmas #2under2 #familyof4 #matchingpjs #anointed

Baby girl 💕

Honored to be part of “As Written”, directed by Oscar-nominated Derek Tsang 🎬✨ Filmed in New Orleans with an incredible cast and crew, in collaboration with @kokuyo_official . A project fueled by creativity and curiosity—can’t wait for you all to see it! #AsWritten #Film #DerekTsang #KOKUYO #NewOrleans #OnSet

Family Day ☀️🏖️🌊 Number 2 on the way! Britt’s Birthday 🎉 Pacers in 5 🏀

My short film Adult Children of the American Revolution starring me, @lisatracynyc and @matrellsmith is mentioned in the New York Daily News today!!!!! Tune into Channel 55 today at 3pm to watch it @badamitv @frankbadami @auntie_lisha #nydailynews /2025/06/01/caribbeat-harlems-schomburg-center-marks-100th-birthday-with-year-long-celebration/ thank you @nydailynews and @jaredmccallister