Song of Parkland (HBO)

About Song of Parkland (HBO)

Song of Parkland, a 2019 HBO documentary, tells the touching story of a group of drama students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. After surviving the devastating February 14, 2018, shooting that took 17 lives, the students find solace and healing in music and performance under the guidance of their drama teacher Melody Herzfeld. Despite their traumatic experience, they decide to persevere and continue with their scheduled musical, determined to bring light into darkness.

Making / Production

The movie is directed and produced by Emmy Award-winner Amy Schatz, widely known for creating impactful and inspiring children-oriented content. Schatz worked closely with the drama students and their teacher, creating an emotional and sensitive reflection of their inspirational journey.

Actors

• Unknown Cast: This documentary features real-life students and their teacher, rather than professional actors. Each student's true-life portrayal of resilience and courage makes the characters genuinely relatable and authentic.
• Melody Herzfeld (as herself): The students' inspiring drama teacher, relentlessly encourages them to continue with their scheduled musical, despite their personal tragedy.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Song of Parkland is based on a real-life incident, the horrific February 14, 2018, shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
• Despite the grim events that precede the story, the movie does not depict the shooting itself, instead focusing on the courageous recovery process through music and art.
• The drama teacher Melody Herzfeld was awarded the 2018 Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award.

Quotes

• "When the world thinks it's all messed up, we reassure them that it's not..." - Melody Herzfeld
• "We're not going to let what happened stop us from doing what we love." - Student

Music, Soundtrack

No specific soundtrack is available for this documentary as the movie primarily features original songs and performances by the students. The music in the film is deeply moving, and plays a significant role in symbolizing the students' journey of healing.

Awards

Song of Parkland hasn’t won any awards, but its inspiring story and the commendable work by director Amy Schatz have garnered praise and appreciation from audiences and critics alike.