SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. - s4story -- The Paper Bear, a feature-length film and conservation initiative by The Paper Bear nonprofit, has just been named a finalist in the prestigious Trailblazer category of the 2025 Jackson Wild Media Awards—widely considered the "Oscars® of environmental filmmaking."

Chosen from over 500 global submissions, The Paper Bear is being celebrated for its bold, original storytelling and its ability to elevate the natural beauty of Florida's black bears and wild landscapes to an international audience.

"Being named a finalist at Jackson Wild is a dream come true and a powerful validation of the hard work our entire team has poured into this project over the past five years," said Arix Zalace, director of The Paper Bear. "This honor isn't just for us—it's a win for Florida. We've always believed the Florida black bear and our state's unique ecosystems deserve a place in the global conversation around conservation and storytelling. To see this film gain national attention is proof that stories rooted in love for wild places can resonate far beyond our borders."

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This recognition places the film, and by extension, Florida's fragile and irreplaceable ecosystems, on the global stage. The Trailblazer category honors films that push the boundaries of traditional nature storytelling through creativity, innovation, and emotional resonance. The Paper Bear achieves this by combining an orchestral score composed specifically for the film, campfire tales, and rare footage of wild Florida black bears to craft a cinematic experience unlike any other.

"Thank you to everyone who has cheered us on—from early backers to festival programmers and fans of wild Florida stories. This milestone belongs to all of you who believed that bears, art, and conservation could combine into something magical," said Sean Couch, Co-Founder, Executive Producer & Board Member.

The Paper Bear combines live-action wilderness footage with 2D animation to explore Florida's ecosystems through the eyes of a father and son on a journey to find the Florida black bear.

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The film features rare, close-up footage of wild Florida black bears in their natural habitat, captured by director Arix Zalace, who spent over two and a half years documenting their behavior in the field. Informative and accessible for all ages, The Paper Bear encourages audiences to connect with nature and better understand the importance of conservation.

About The Paper Bear
The Paper Bear is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the natural beauty and biodiversity of Northwest Florida through storytelling, film, and education. Through a blend of creative media, community engagement, and science-based advocacy, the nonprofit aims to inspire a deeper connection to nature and mobilize support for conservation efforts. Learn more at www.thepaperbear.org or follow us on Instagram at @ThePaperBearFilm.