John Chester, a highly accomplished and renowned filmmaker, has left an indelible mark on the television industry with his most recent short films showcased on OWN's esteemed Super Soul Sunday programming block.
Chester's television career kicked off with a bang in 2006, when he helmed the primetime docu-series Random 1, which aired on A&E, showcasing his multifaceted talents as both director and on-screen star. The show's popularity was a catalyst for his feature documentary debut, Lost in Woonsocket, which premiered at the prestigious SXSW festival in 2007, garnering widespread acclaim and cementing his status as a rising talent in the world of documentary filmmaking.
Chester's documentary, titled Rock Prophecies, showcases the remarkable story of renowned rock photographer Robert Knight, who has spent his illustrious career capturing the essence of some of the most iconic rock bands and musicians.
Robert Knight's journey as a photographer is the focal point of Chester's documentary, which delves into his experiences, struggles, and triumphs. The film takes the audience on a captivating ride, highlighting Knight's most memorable moments, from photographing legendary rock bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who, to his behind-the-scenes stories of the music industry.
Rock Prophecies premiered to great acclaim, winning not one, not two, but three audience awards for Best Documentary Feature. Its success was further solidified when it was nationally distributed on PBS in 2010, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences across the United States.
The Biggest Little Farm, a captivating feature-length film, serves as a powerful testament to Chester's unwavering dedication to his craft, showcasing his remarkable journey over the course of seven years.
The film chronicles the remarkable story of Apricot Lane Farms, a pioneering regenerative farm co-founded by Chester and his wife Molly in 2011. This extraordinary agricultural venture has been meticulously documented, providing an intimate glimpse into the couple's tireless efforts to cultivate a sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practice.
The film's premiere at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival, followed by its showcase at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival, generated significant buzz and anticipation among film enthusiasts and environmental advocates alike.
Finally, after much anticipation, the film was released nationwide in May 2019, offering audiences across the country the opportunity to experience the inspiring story of Apricot Lane Farms and the visionaries behind it.
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Next person biography:
Chester's creative endeavors extend far beyond the realm of film, as he has also embarked on a new and exciting venture into the world of children's literature. In a significant milestone, he entered into a three-year publishing agreement with Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan in 2018. This collaborative partnership has given rise to the creation of a spin-off children's book series, which brings to life beloved characters from The Biggest Little Farm. The inaugural installment of this captivating series, Saving Emma the Pig, is slated for release in 2019 and is currently listed on Amazon as a Hardcover publication, with a scheduled release date of May 14th, 2019.
