South Walton Filmmakers Highlight Regional Biodiversity at Florida Film Festival Panel

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A panel discussion featuring South Walton filmmakers and conservationists took place Tuesday, April 15, during the Florida Film Festival, coinciding with the world premiere of The Paper Bear — a new animated film captured across Walton County that focuses on the intersection of people, wildlife, and the environment.​

The panel, titled The Birds and the Bears, streamed live on Facebook and featured a group of filmmakers, photographers, and conservation leaders discussing how storytelling and film can drive public engagement with environmental issues in Florida. The conversation centered on the influence of films like The Paper Bear and The Little Brown Bird in raising awareness about conservation efforts, including the Florida Wildlife Corridor initiative.​

Laurie Hood, a South Walton native and founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, moderated the event. Other participants included:

• Arix Zalace, South Walton native, director of The Paper Bear, and co-founder of The Paper Bear nonprofit;
• Sean Couch, producer of The Paper Bear and co-founder of the associated nonprofit;
• Carlton Ward, Jr., conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer, and executive producer of The Little Brown Bird;
• Stanimir Milev, animator with Chase A Cloud animation studio, which contributed to The Paper Bear;
• KT Bryden, director of The Little Brown Bird and cinematographer for The Path of the Panther.
  
  

Speakers discussed their creative processes and the role of film in communicating the importance of biodiversity and land preservation across Florida. They also highlighted how initiatives like the Florida Wildlife Corridor are working to secure connected habitats for both people and wildlife.​

The Paper Bear is a nonprofit feature film that brings awareness to the immense biodiversity in the Florida Panhandle through the eyes of the majestic black bears. The film combines live-action and animation to depict the lives of black bears in the region, aiming to educate audiences on the importance of preserving natural habitats. The project is supported by a $400,000 contribution from the Walton County Tourist Department, which facilitated the completion of a crucial animation segment of the film.

The film’s creators anticipate that The Paper Bear will play a role in reshaping tourism in Walton County by attracting a more eco-conscious visitor demographic and promoting sustainable tourism practices.