TOKYO (828newsNOW) — Following the April premiere of “A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story,” a documentary about Appalachian Trail photographer George Masa, filmmaker Paul Bonesteel will be taking his movie to Japan, Masa’s home country, for a four-stop tour.
Though Masa and his photographs played a vital role in the establishment of the Appalachian Trail and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the early 20th century, little is known about the man himself. That was the mystery “A Life Reimagined” explored.
The documentary will be screened Sept. 23-25, 2026, in Shizuoka, Tokyo and Iiyama, Japan, with a display of Masa’s photographs and a Q&A with Bonesteel at each showing. The movie will also be shown at the Nara Film Festival in Nara, Japan.
“To share Masa’s story with audiences in Japan has long been a hope and dream. Now it’s actually happening!” said Bonesteel. “George Masa was a Japanese immigrant photographer and mountaineer whose images helped shape early conservation efforts and the national parks movement in the United States. Drawing on newly uncovered research, the film reveals long-hidden dimensions of Masa’s life and motivations that challenge what was previously understood about the influential yet elusive figures in American history.”
Bonesteel will share the film at locations with a meaningful connection to Masa.
In Shizuoka, the movie will be shown for a large school group from the high school Masa attended. Shizuoka is located by Mt. Fuji, which Masa, a passionate outdoorsman, climbed twice in his youth.
In Tokyo, the film will be screened at the International House of Japan nonprofit, an organization originally funded by the Rockefeller Family, who contributed to the accomplishments of Masa in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The event will be cohosted by the Japan Alpine Club.
In Iiyama, the Shin-etsu Trail Club will host the film. The Shin-etsu Trail was inspired by the Appalachian Trail, which Masa was a key part of developing. Members of the club participated in the making of the documentary, and several have visited American trails that Masa helped created.
“This will be very exciting to talk about Masa in Japan, show his photos and hear questions and comments from Japanese people. I have no doubt, some new research will emerge from this journey,” Bonesteel said.
“A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story” can be streamed on PBS and YouTube.
For more information, visit www.georgemasa.com.
