Zach Hellmuth is a commercial and documentary director, cinematographer, and photographer who has been telling powerful stories for over a decade. Through collaboration with companies and brands, he has led creative projects across the globe while bridging the gap between storytelling, inspiration, and impact.
He first got his start working under some of the best in the business (Brain Farm Digital Cinema creators of Travis Rice’s legendary action snowboard film Art of Flight) working on Nat Geo’s Emmy-award winning Wild Yellowstone film, and Red Bull’s Fourth Phase.
His most recent film, In Search of the Arctic Fox, premiered at the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital (DCEFF). The film follows Hellmuth’s experience as a new father, his daughter’s journey with cerebral palsy, and the healing nature walks his family share—moments that ultimately lead him to Iceland’s Westfjords in search for the elusive Arctic fox. The film weaves together elements of adventure, family, wildlife exploration, and conservation. Indie-pop duo Babe Club crafted a Scandinavian-inspired original score and contributed new songs that give the film a nostalgic yet modern feel, blending shimmering guitars, candid lyrics, and punchy melodies. The film is supported by Swedish outdoor brand, Fjällräven.
He is a also member of The Explorers Club.
Awards
2025, Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital (DCEFF), Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF),
Archorage International Film Festival, Selected Film, In Search of the Arctic Fox
2024, PADI Club Selected Guest Speaker
2023, Lighthouse Film Festival, International Ocean Film Festival, Nature Without Borders Film Festival, Oceanside Film Festival, Richmond International Film Festival (Finalist)
2022, 2x Telly Award Winner Silver & Gold Award
2020, Selected Earthskin Creative Residency, New Zealand
2017, Selected Artist, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VA
2016, Nimia Selected Cinematographer, Seattle, WA
2015, Exposure Magazine Emerging Photographer , Washington D.C.
2013, Complex Magazine Selected Photographer, New York, NY
Teachings
International Ocean Film Festival, San Francisco, CA, Group Film Discussion, 2023
University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC , Documentary Film Lecture, 2019
Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria, VA, Creative Career Presentation, 2013
Selected Group Exhibitions
2018, Torpedo Factory Art Center. Alexandria, VA
2016, Loading - Landscapes Exhibit, RivaWorks - Smash Box Studios. Culver City, CA
Active Memberships
The Explorers Club Member (TEC)
Documentary Producers Alliance (DPA)
North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA)
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder, National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
Open Water Scuba Diver, NAUI
