"A Filmmaker's Journey" Screening & Discussion with George Stevens, Jr.

The Johann Fust Library Foundation is honored to present the feature-length documentary, George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey, produced and directed by the legendary George Stevens, Jr. The film, which was restored to 4K high definition last year, is a retrospective about his Academy Award-winning father. It features interviews with Frank Capra, Katherine Hepburn, John Huston, Alan J. Pakula, Fred Astaire, and other notable figures. It also features footage of his father’s cinematic efforts during World War II; found only after his death, this is very rare color film of the war in Europe.

George Stevens was the visionary director behind A Place in the Sun (1951), Shane (1953), Giant (1956), and The Diary of Anne Frank (1959). George Jr. grew up on the sets of these film classics and went on to carve his own legacy. Edward R. Murrow recruited him to elevate the Motion Picture Service at the United States Information Agency (USIA) in John F. Kennedy’s Washington. 

George was the founding director of the American Film Institute. In 1973, he created the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award, presented annually to individuals whose enduring work has fundamentally advanced the art of film.

As if that were not enough, in 1978, he conceived of the Kennedy Center Honors – an annual award to honor five artists for their significant contributions to American culture.

In 2022, George’s memoir was published. My Place in the Sun: Life in the Golden Age of Hollywood and Washington. Tom Brokaw said, “In this riveting memoir, he takes us on a glorious journey through so many of America’s most important moments both on-screen and off.”

President Biden presented George with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, at the White House in January 2025.

George will introduce the documentary at the screening on Thursday, March 5. The following day, March 6, he will be in the library loggia to discuss the film and his book, inspired by his fascinating life.  The discussion will be facilitated by Lindsay Major.

The documentary screening on Thursday, March 5th, is now full. Please call the office at (941) 964-0211 to be added to the waitlist.