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The Paper Bear is a coming-of-age conservation story that follows a father and son into the Florida Panhandle wilderness as they track elusive black bears. Around the campfire, the father spins spellbinding stories—equal parts Indigenous folklore and hard-earned field science—that spark his son's imagination and kindle a new shared passion for conservation.
Blending classic 2D hand-drawn animation with breathtaking wildlife photography that took years to capture, the film immerses viewers in the ecosystems of Florida’s panhandle. It effortlessly blends untamed wildlife with captivating characters to create a narrative that educates and entertains.
- Year2025
- Runtime115 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- DirectorArix Zalace
- ScreenwriterArix Zalace, Sean Couch
- ProducerAndrea Catania, Ryan Miningham
- Executive ProducerSean Couch, Arix Zalace
- CastJason Burkey, Max Ivutin, Michael Johnston
- CinematographerBrad Richard
- EditorArix Zalace
- AnimatorAlexandra Proynova
- ComposerGeorge Strezov, Alexander Kostov
- Sound DesignCory Choy


The Paper Bear is a coming-of-age conservation story that follows a father and son into the Florida Panhandle wilderness as they track elusive black bears. Around the campfire, the father spins spellbinding stories—equal parts Indigenous folklore and hard-earned field science—that spark his son's imagination and kindle a new shared passion for conservation.
Blending classic 2D hand-drawn animation with breathtaking wildlife photography that took years to capture, the film immerses viewers in the ecosystems of Florida’s panhandle. It effortlessly blends untamed wildlife with captivating characters to create a narrative that educates and entertains.
- Year2025
- Runtime115 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- DirectorArix Zalace
- ScreenwriterArix Zalace, Sean Couch
- ProducerAndrea Catania, Ryan Miningham
- Executive ProducerSean Couch, Arix Zalace
- CastJason Burkey, Max Ivutin, Michael Johnston
- CinematographerBrad Richard
- EditorArix Zalace
- AnimatorAlexandra Proynova
- ComposerGeorge Strezov, Alexander Kostov
- Sound DesignCory Choy