premiere
Guardians of the Earthan independent film by ZFK_Visuals
TORONTO | NIAGARA
APRIL 17 / 18 / 2026
ALL WELCOME
You’re invited,
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A special premiere to the 2nd instalment to the Guardians of the Earth film trilogy— an independent film series by ZFK.
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Capturing life as it unfolds — remote landscapes, explorations.
Much of this work has remained unseen.
Each screening will feature it’s own curated selection of fine art photography by Zach, with limited prints & keepsakes available for sale.
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Come early, grab a drink, connect, & celebrate independent film.
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Opt for a Supporter Ticket, includes:
Admission for 1
x1 alcoholic or N/A beverage
Limited-edition keepsake by ZFK
A $10 donation to non-profit tree planting organization AWES (Agroforestry & Woodlot Extension Society)
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Enjoy hands-on creative moments, our photo booth & a vibrant social atmosphere.
TORONTO | NIAGARA
APRIL 17 / 18 / 2026
ALL WELCOME
Guardians I I
An immersive 65-minute film documenting the season that defines & reinforces the identity of 13 Tree Planters.
ZSN II features the relentless lifestyle of living within remote bush camps for over 90 days and the inherent human struggles that come with the labour associated within them. Guardians II captures the team’s journey spanning from Ontario’s notoriously harsh & unforgiving Algonquin Park, to the insect infested harvest sites of Timmins, finishing it’s narrative in the dreamy foothills of Grande Cache, Alberta. The crews test beyond their limits of exhaustion & isolation to find something transformative. Bonds are forged. Limits are tested. Comfort disappears.
Guardians of the Earth ZSN II is independently produced, shot & funded by Zach Ferbrache-Kirkness during his 2nd season tour (2023) inside the rugged world of Tree Planting. During this summer season Zach was capturing the day in the life of a tree planter for this documentary, while also planting nearly 130,000 trees during that time.
zsn iithe Trilogy
Guardians of the Earth is a documentary series chronicling life in the reforestation industry’s frontlines - commonly referred to as “Tree Planting“. This series is independently produced and funded by ZFK; a seasonal tree planter, professional cinematographer + photographer & founder of ZFK_Visuals (2015).
ZSN I (2022) - The first chapter first begins in the Northern Ontarian wilderness — following ZFK; a tree planting rookie stepping into one of Canada’s most physically demanding, yet quietly transformative industries.
ZSN II (2023) - Beneath the hardship reveals; a raw examination of community, purpose, identity, capitalism, & what it means to rebuild forests in a nation built on resource extraction. Three characterized geographic locations and thirteen planters narrate the Guardians tale.
ZSN III (2024-2026) - The final act in this ground-breaking trilogy series holds over 30 interviews from roles spanning through Tree Planters, Deliverers, Management & Reforestation Clients. It has been undergoing production since 2024 & expected to be released in 2027-2028.
What is a “ZSN”? It is a ZFK_Visuals rebranding of the acronym “SZN”, short for “Season”. In the Tree Planting community a veteran tree planter with respected notoriety & reputation can typically hang their hat on the number of planting seasons they have completed, the quality of their work or in other merits like their “PB” (Personal Best Production Day). Ironically the greatest tree planters in camp (Highballers) are typically the most humble about their daily productions, however, it is undeniable that others in camp are always aware of their place in the hierarchy of their respective tree planting production. Tree Planting fosters the talents and competitive nature of many.
Curious how it all began?
zsn i i
DONATEYour contribution will sustain future productions and expand the reach of stories including the next iteration of the Guardians Series.