Zachary Ruiter is a filmmaker and journalist who finds the art and comedy in documenting subjects including healing, athleticism, animals, populism, and the environment.

Zachary is an award-winning journalist best known for his work as a reporter at NOW Toronto Magazine from 2013 to 2020, where he covered environment, labour, and social movements. Following the legacy of the Village Voice, NOW Magazine was the last major alt-weekly print publication before it ultimately folded in 2020.

Zachary’s films have been showcased at film festivals, and his work has been featured in McMaster University’s Public Intellectuals Project. He is a contributor to Ricochet Media and has written for publications such as The Telegraph-Journal, Rabble.ca, Trent Arthur, Vice, The Watershed Sentinel, and The Carleton Leveller.

Zachary was the Creative Director of M.A.D. Marineland Animal Defense, a coalition based animal advocacy group dedicated to freeing the whales and other animals at Marineland in Niagara Falls. Together we won a Guinness World record for most origami whales folded.

A skilled researcher, Zachary served as Research Coordinator for CBC Doc’s feature Atomic Reaction. He also worked as a long-time researcher and strategic communications consultant for The Ontario Clean Air Alliance and The Save Movement.

Beyond his professional achievements, Zachary is passionate about racing in ultra-marathon swimming and Ironman 70.3 triathlons as a member of the Alba Athletic Racing Team.

Contact: zruiter@gmail.com