DANIEL CHESTER FRENCH: AMERICAN SCULPTOR
WORLD-PREMIERE
May 26, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
14 Castle Street
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Daniel Chester French: American Sculptor is a new documentary film set to premiere on the Centennial of the Lincoln Memorial in May 2022. Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Eduardo Montes-Bradley of the Heritage Film Project, the film will serve as an educational tool, build a worldwide audience for French’s work, and introduce the public to Chesterwood, the summer home, studio and gardens of the sculptor from 1896 to 1931.The film explores French’s formative years and his contributions to public sculpture, a lifetime commitment which ultimately led to over 100 public monuments and memorials spread out across the United States.
The film will premiere on May 26, 2022 at 7:00pm at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, MA. Opening remarks will be presented by Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council and Honorary Chair of the event. The screening will be followed by a scholarly panel discussion and a benefit reception. Tickets are available at www.mahaiwe.org
Learn more about the Heritage Film Project and filmmaker Eduardo Montes-Bradley.
Read the full press release here.
“When I was approached by Dan Preston and Michael Richman, editors of the Daniel Chester French papers, with the idea of making a documentary about Daniel Chester French and Chesterwood, I had only a vague concept of who the artist was. I was familiar with most of his work, but little did I know about the man behind the monuments. I was not alone.
As with many sculptors, French’s name was living under the shadow of his accomplishments, works of monumental proportions and historical implications.
After meeting with Chesterwood’s Executive Director, Donna Hassler, I understood the need and the urgency to bring French into the light by placing his life and works before the camera lens.
On my way back home to Virigina, I stopped in Concord, Massachusetts, to visit French’s grave. Carved on the tombstone I found the words that will preside over his biographical portrayal on film. I made Daniel Chester French a solemn promise to honor his legacy in a documentary film about his life and work.”