The latest documentary film from Emmy® Award winning director Paul Bonesteel
A LiFE REiMAGiNED
the george masa story
George Masa’s photography changed America.
But when he died in 1933, he left no clues about who he really was, inspiring filmmaker Paul Bonesteel to embark on a decades-long search to uncover the remarkable story of the mysterious Japanese photographer.
A LIFE REIMAGINED uncovers the untold story of Masa, whose photographic skill and love of mountains helped shape Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail — told through Masa’s journals and letters, the voices of historians and researchers, and set amidst the sweeping landscapes of the Appalachian and Japanese mountains, hundreds of archival photographs, and surprising historical rabbit holes.
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Explore the Research Behind the Story.
From early obituaries to newly uncovered letters and photographs, George Masa’s life has been revealed piece by piece. Our research hub gathers essential books, articles, links, and archival materials in one place, supporting ongoing research and inviting future discoveries.
