HBO has released the official trailer for its upcoming documentary Song of Parkland, which chronicles high school drama teacher Melody Herzfeld and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas drama students, who helped bring their community together following the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida. Take a look at the moving video above.
The documentary will premiere February 7.
It was on February 14, 2018, when a lone gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, killing 17 students and staff members and injuring 17 others.
At the time of the shooting, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School drama teacher Melody Herzfeld—who was honored with the 2018 Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education—was in the middle of rehearsing her students for their annual children’s musical. When they heard the fire alarm sound, the high-schoolers went to their designated fire drill spot. Moments later, a Code Red sounded, and Herzfeld rushed her 65 students back inside to a closet to keep them safe.
The documentary, directed by Emmy winner Amy Schatz, explores Herzfeld and the students' resolve and the capacity for art to bring joy in even the darkest of times. The film includes original songs written by the students, interviews, and scenes from walk-outs and rallies across the country by young people inspired by the Parkland activists.
Several students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School were also featured in the documentary short Awakening: After Parkland, which followed a community theatre production of the Tony-winning musical Spring Awakening that was also in rehearsal during the tragedy.
