About the program:

A journey into the fascinating and remarkable life of pioneering Japanese immigrant photographer and conservationist George Masa, by filmmaker and biographer, Paul Bonesteel

In the summer of 1915 a 30 year old Japanese man arrived in Asheville, North Carolina soon becoming George Masa. From then until his death in 1933 he helped transform the region with his photography, advocacy and trail work, all with a secret life disconnected from his past. He became one of the founders of Great Smoky Mountains and his meticulous trail work aided in establishing hiking clubs and trails, including the 2,190 mile long Appalachian Trail. Masa is now recognized as a pivotal figure in American conservation history, but his full story has only recently been revealed in the 2024 biography, George Masa: A Life Reimagined by Paul Bonesteel and Janet McCue, and the new documentary film, A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story.

The multi-media presentation will include projected images of George Masa’s & clips from the up-coming documentary film.

About the film:

Paul Bonesteel is a filmmaker who has explored the mountains around Asheville for most of his life, making documentary films for 35 years. He has researched George Masa since 1999, and is the co-author of George Masa: A Life Reimagined, published by Smokies Life.

His extensive documentary filmography include; Mystery of George Masa, The Day Carl Sandburg Died for PBS’ American Masters, Great American Quilt Revival, Muni, & Shadow of a Wheel. All of these films were broadcast on PBS.

Paul is committed to making films that work toward the greater good, understanding that collaboration is the key to making powerful films.

“My purpose as a filmmaker is to illuminate the bridge between the past and the future. To dig deep and try to captivate, activate and inspire an audience”.  -Paul