By Jon Tharp, Broker · November 2, 2026
At a Glance
Emmy-winning filmmaker Paul Bonesteel will screen his documentary A Life Reimagined, about photographer George Masa, on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville. A book signing starts at 11 a.m., the film begins at 1 p.m., and Bonesteel will take questions afterward. The event is free and open to the public at 195 Hemphill Knob Road.
The photographer whose mountain images helped build support for Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the focus of a free film screening and book signing in Asheville. Emmy-winning filmmaker and author Paul Bonesteel will present his documentary about George Masa, *A Life Reimagined*, on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center.
The visitor center is at 195 Hemphill Knob Road in Asheville. The event is free and open to the public, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is helping promote it.
Who was George Masa?
Masa was a Japanese photographer who made Asheville his home and loved the Southern Appalachian Mountains. People came to know him for his photographs of the mountains and for his efforts to protect the region's natural beauty. That work helped build support for the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
For decades, much of his early life remained a mystery. Bonesteel's documentary draws on years of research that helped uncover details about Masa's life before he arrived in Asheville.
What does the documentary cover?
The film traces Masa's journey from Japan to the Pacific Northwest and eventually to North Carolina, exploring the personal struggles and passion for the mountains that shaped his life.
Bonesteel also co-authored a book about Masa with Janet McCue. He previously served on the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's board of trustees and continues to advise the nonprofit.
Event schedule
The event begins with a book signing at 11 a.m., followed by the film screening at 1 p.m. Afterward, Bonesteel will answer questions about the documentary, the book, and his research travels to Japan.
Event details via 828 News Now: https://828newsnow.com/news/228822-george-masa-documentary-to-screen-in-asheville/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the George Masa documentary screening in Asheville free?
Yes. The screening and book signing are free and open to the public.
When and where is the George Masa documentary showing?
Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, 195 Hemphill Knob Road in Asheville. The book signing begins at 11 a.m. and the film screens at 1 p.m., followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Paul Bonesteel.
Who was George Masa?
George Masa was a Japanese photographer who made Asheville his home. His photographs of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and his efforts to protect the region helped build support for the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
About the Author
Jon Tharp is a licensed NC real estate broker with Keller Williams. He's helped buyers and sellers across Western North Carolina for over 10 years, specializing in mountain homes, land, and short-term rental investments, with offices throughout WNC covering all mountainous areas. If something in this post has you thinking about a move, he's easy to reach — (828) 347-9055 or smokymountainhomes4sale.com or Jon@jontharphomes.com.
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