Forgotten Space Artist and Filoli Architect Returns to Woodside, CA in Award-Winning Documentary

WOODSIDE, Calif. - March 8, 2019 - PRLog -- For decades, the breathtaking paintings of Chesley Bonestell (1888-1986) have transported people through and beyond our solar system. Born in San Francisco and a resident of Berkeley and Carmel, California, Mr. Bonestell has been called "The Father of Space Art" and was even a quiet force behind the creation of America's space program. Not everyone has heard of Chesley Bonestell, but on March 24^th, visitors to the Filoli Historic House and Gardens in Woodside, California will have the rare opportunity to sip champagne, peruse Mr. Bonestell's original designs of Filoli and enjoy a special presentation of the award-winning documentary Chesley Bonestell: A Brush with the Future.

"Chesley Bonestell's artistic vision was key in developing the architectural design of what Filoli is today." said Kara Newport, Filoli Estate Chief Executive Officer. "We are incredibly fortunate to host the screening of this documentary, and invite everyone to attend and enjoy the display of some of Mr. Bonestell's original designs that are part of our archives."

Chesley Bonestell: A Brush with the Future is the first film ever made about this visionary painter. It features archival interviews with Mr. Bonestell, along with insightful commentary from numerous others who either knew Bonestell or were influenced by his art.

"There isn't an artist that's painting today in the science fiction fantasy field who didn't start with Chesley Bonestell," says legendary science fiction author Ray Bradbury in the film's trailer (http://www.chesleybonestell.com/trailer.html).

Mr. Bonestell has deep roots in San Francisco history. Following the 1906 earthquake, he collaborated  with architect Willis Polk on such landmark structures as the Halladie Building, the Hobart Building and the Filoli Estate. Later, Bonestell's renderings of the Golden Gate Bridge convinced doubting San Franciscans that the bridge could and must be built. Moving to Hollywood, his iconic matte paintings appeared in film classics like Citizen Kane, The Fountainhead and The War of the Worlds.  As testimony to its timelessness, Filoli and its lush gardens served as the Carrington Estate on the long-running television series Dynasty. Filoli would also play a prominent part in movies such as Heaven Can Wait and The Wedding Planner.

Chesley Bonestell: A Brush with the Future will have a special screening in the Filoli Grand Ballroom on March 24th at 3:00pm.  For ticket information, please visit the Filoli website (https://filoli.org/event/chesley-bonestell-film-screening/) or call (650) 364-8300.

More about the Film:

    Chesley Bonestell: A Brush with the Future was named Best Documentary at the 2019 Boston Science Fiction Film Festival and at the 2018 Comic-Con Film Festival in San Diego. The film won a coveted Audience Award at the 2018 Newport Beach Film Festival in the category of Art, Architecture and Design. It is now an Official Selection at the upcoming 2019 Sonoma International Film Festival. On April 2, 2019, this award-winning film will be screened at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC as part of a tribute to the Apollo Lunar Program. The film's website is www.chesleybonestell.com.

About Filoli:
Filoli offers unique restorative experiences for the whole family every season. From the historic home and manicured gardens to a vast estate and natural trails, come explore the beauty and tranquility of another time. Guests can visit the café, have a glass of wine or enjoy afternoon tea. Filoli also hosts seasonal activities, including tours of the home and grounds, art shows, education programs and special events. Conveniently located between San Francisco and San Jose, this 654-acre estate is open to the public to visit as a guest, or become a member and drop by any time. Visit www.filoli.org for more information.