In the early days of the Russian-Ukrainian war Kharkiv, the country’s second largest city, was turned into a warzone. On one side of the battlefield was the invading Russian army, on the other side, the defending Ukrainians, and caught in between them, was a zoo called Feldman Ecopark.
More than just a zoo, Feldman Ecopark was an animal sanctuary that offered countless therapy programs to everyone from soldiers with PTSD to children with special needs. As the war ravaged on, and the shelling increased, it was clear that the bravery of the staff wouldn’t be enough to save the animals trapped inside. With the help of four young volunteers, these zookeepers would undertake a seemingly impossible mission – they would risk life and limb to evacuate over 5,000 animals, including scores of dangerous predators, and deliver them to safety.
Drawing from first-hand footage, Award-winning filmmaker Joshua Zeman’s Checkpoint Zoo showcases a story of human compassion, bravery, and sacrifice during Ukraine’s darkest hours. shining a light on the best of humanity when it is all too easy to focus on the worst.
Checkpoint Zoo
DIGITAL PRODUCER
In this role, I was responsible for shaping and executing the film’s digital strategy across festival and theatrical release, and social impact phases. I focused on building audience infrastructure around the project. That included social and platform strategy, digital storytelling extensions, and systems to support visibility during festivals, theatrical rollout, and awards consideration.
I worked closely with the producing team to translate the film’s themes into digital-first narratives that could reach and engage audiences beyond traditional documentary channels. My role bridged creative storytelling and distribution strategy, ensuring the project’s digital presence supported both awareness and long-term impact.
On Checkpoint Zoo, my work centered on amplifying the film’s reach, supporting its public life, and helping build a digital ecosystem that allowed the story to travel further than the screen.
Make it stand out.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.