The Californer - Torch Entertainment Presents The Frozen Zoo

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SAN DIEGO - Californer -- TORCH ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES THE FROZEN ZOO DOCUMENTARY

San Diego, CA — Torch Entertainment is proud to announce the completion of production on The Frozen Zoo, a groundbreaking documentary created in collaboration with the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. This powerful film highlights one of the most visionary and impactful conservation efforts on the planet.

The story of The Frozen Zoo began more than 50 years ago when world-renowned geneticist Dr. Kurt Benirschke first introduced the revolutionary idea of preserving tissue samples from endangered and threatened animals in cryogenic labs. Dr. Benirschke and his early colleagues could not have foreseen the scientific breakthroughs ahead—advancements that today make these preserved samples essential tools in the global fight to prevent species extinction.

The documentary revisits Dr. Benirschke's groundbreaking vision through archival footage and interviews with his colleagues — many of whom continue to lead the Alliance's cutting-edge research. Their work is shaping the future of wildlife conservation and bringing endangered species back from the brink.

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Award-Winning Filmmaker Frank Torchia Leads the Project

The Frozen Zoo is produced by award-winning documentary filmmaker Frank J. Torchia, President of Torch Entertainment, whose acclaimed body of work spans numerous celebrated films. Torchia produced The Relentless Patriot, the powerful documentary about activist artist Scott LoBaido, released in more than 1,000 theaters nationwide. He also produced The Session Man: The Nicky Hopkins Story, capturing the life and legacy of the legendary Rolling Stones and Beatles keyboardist.

Torchia's passion for meaningful, character-driven storytelling is also evident in his award-winning passion project Ciao Baseball, chronicling the Italian National Baseball Team's historic trip to the United States to play the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs.

Mr. Torchia is also proud to have served as one of the producers of the award-winning documentary film The Man You Don't Know about President Donald J. Trump. The film features heartfelt, emotional stories from individuals whose lives were personally uplifted by President Trump's generosity, compassion, and acts of kindness—stories often unseen but deeply impactful.

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A World-Class Creative Team

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Jeffrey B. Mallian, best known for producing the first Leprechaun film, and edited by award-winning editor Dave Wilson, The Frozen Zoo delivers a cinematic, emotional, and scientifically rich experience that will captivate audiences worldwide.

The Frozen Zoo is slated for release in mid-2026, with a planned global festival run, broadcast opportunities, and an educational distribution campaign.

About Torch Entertainment

Torch Entertainment is an award-winning U.S. film and television production company known for impactful storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and high-quality narrative programming.