The Paper Bear, a feature-length conservation film and nonprofit initiative, made its Florida theatrical debut Dec. 4–6 at the historic Florida Chautauqua Theater, giving local audiences their first opportunity to experience the award-winning film on the big screen.
Screenings were held inside the 1921 Murray Theater, home to the Florida Chautauqua Theater and a cornerstone of Walton County’s arts community for more than four decades. From its beginnings as a volunteer-led troupe to its evolution into a regional hub for performance, education and cultural enrichment, the theater’s mission of community storytelling made it a fitting venue for the film’s statewide launch.
Blending live-action wilderness footage with 2D animation, The Paper Bear explores Florida’s diverse ecosystems through the eyes of a father and son on a journey to find the Florida black bear. Along the way, stories shared around a campfire come to life through animated sequences, offering a fresh and imaginative lens on the region’s biodiversity.
Following its world premiere at the 2025 Florida Film Festival, The Paper Bear was also named a finalist in the Trailblazer Category at Jackson Wild, widely regarded as the “Oscars® of environmental filmmaking.” The film has continued to earn praise for its original storytelling and its ability to spotlight Florida’s black bears and the wild landscapes they call home.
“The Paper Bear is both a love letter to Florida’s wild heritage and a reminder of the deep connection we all share with nature,” said Arix Zalace, a local resident and director of The Paper Bear.
The film features rare, close-up footage of wild Florida black bears in their natural habitat, captured by Zalace over more than two and a half years in the field. Designed to be informative and accessible for all ages, the film encourages audiences to deepen their connection to nature and better understand the importance of conservation.
To learn more, view the trailer at youtu.be/mdEEtpi0O_o, or see upcoming theater dates and ticket information at thepaperbear.org/theaters.
