02 November 2025
Ep 270: The Paper Bear: Arix Zalace Blends Animation and Nature for Conservation
Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby
About
In this episode, host Damien sits down with filmmaker and conservationist Arix Zalace, the creative mind behind The Paper Bear — a visually stunning blend of animation and live action that tells the story of Florida’s disappearing wilderness.
Arix shares how his journey from producing corporate films evolved into a years-long mission of documenting Florida’s black bears and protecting one of North America’s most biodiverse regions. What began as a passion project became a cinematic call to action that uses art and emotion to reconnect people with the natural world.
🎧 In this conversation:
W: https://www.thepaperbear.org/who-we-are
IMBD: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7730373/
Arix shares how his journey from producing corporate films evolved into a years-long mission of documenting Florida’s black bears and protecting one of North America’s most biodiverse regions. What began as a passion project became a cinematic call to action that uses art and emotion to reconnect people with the natural world.
🎧 In this conversation:
- How The Paper Bear combines animation and real-world storytellingThe challenge of filming wild black bears in Florida’s forestsArix Zalace’s evolution from commercial work to conservation cinemaThe emotional power of father-son themes and 1980s-style adventure filmmakingBuilding partnerships and funding an independent environmental filmWhy storytelling and animation are powerful tools for conservation
W: https://www.thepaperbear.org/who-we-are
IMBD: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7730373/
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