Photo courtesy of Zach Hellmuth
Film director Zach Hellmuth of Alexandria
Alexandria filmmaker Zach Hellmuth will screen his latest documentary film "In Search of the Arctic Fox" at the 2025 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF).
“We are very excited and honored to have our film selected at the DCEFF because this festival is renowned for premiering some of the best environmental films in the world," Hellmuth said. "Additionally, I hope that this film inspires and gives hope to our community.”
Hellmuth is an award-winning director, photographer and explorer specializing in commercials, documentaries, branded content and humanitarian/environmental initiatives. He is a member of The Explorers Club and also the founder of Intracoastal Films, which is a mission-driven production company that focuses on capturing authentic stories that empower and inspire.
His family's own experience inspired Hellmuth to create his film.
Photo courtesy of Zach Hellmuth
Hellmuth family Leslie, Margaret and Zach
After Hellmuth and his wife, Leslie, nearly lost their daughter to a fetal maternal hemorrhage, they began taking family nature walks to support her development and help her cope with cerebral palsy.
"At 25 weeks into Leslie's pregnancy, we were informed that our baby had Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, a condition where the largest connection between the left and right sides of the brain is absent," Zach Hellmuth said.
"The doctors warned us that this could result in severe developmental complications—or, in some cases, fewer complications. Then, at 36 weeks, Leslie suddenly stopped feeling the baby kick. We rushed to the hospital, where they immediately performed an emergency C-section, as our baby had lost nearly all of her blood."
"They resuscitated her, placed her in a cooling protocol, and waited three agonizing days to perform an MRI to assess brain damage. The results were devastating—every part of her brain showed signs of damage. She spent 30 days in the NICU, fighting for her life. But against all odds, her miraculous recovery began. Today, Margaret is over 2 years old and has made remarkable progress. Although she still faces developmental delays and motor impairments, her resilience and growth continue to amaze us every day."
Part of Margaret's continued growth includes going on nature walks with her family.
These walks not only provided a therapeutic outlet but also opened Hellmuth's eyes to the transformative beauty of nature — and to foxes, especially, after a serendipitous encounter with one.
Inspired by his miraculous daughter and these resilient animals, Hellmuth and a friend set out on a difficult quest to find the elusive Arctic fox and share the experience with his family.
"This film is deeply special to me because it’s a story close to home," he said.
"It was challenging working on this film because my daughter's condition was something I never liked talking about," he said. "I made this film to raise awareness about children with special needs, as they have so much to teach us if we truly listen."
"My experience with my daughter has opened my eyes to a world I once took for granted," he said. "At the same time, I hope this film highlights the urgent issue of climate chang
Photo courtesy of Zach Hellmuth
An Arctic Fox from the film.
e. Nature is a priceless gift, yet our society has become increasingly distracted by technology, often losing sight of its true value."
"Arctic Foxes are resilient
Image courtesy of Zach Hellmuth
Film poster for "In Search of the Arctic Fox"
creatures that are important to the Arctic ecosystem, and their survival is increasingly threatened by a rapidly warming planet," Hellmuth said. "Additionally, the film sequences in Iceland during a blizzard were demanding as well.
“In Search of the Arctic Fox” is a story about survival, finding awe in the ordinary and not-so-ordinary, and the healing power of family and nature. The film is supported by Swedish outdoor clothing and equipment company, Fjallraven.
The film will be shown Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at the Burke Theatre at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Reserve your free ticket here.
