Zachary Rothfeld '13, documentary writer and producer, won a Primetime Emmy for producing 100 Foot Wave. The HBO documentary series follows the adventures of surfer Garrett McNamara, chasing his 100-foot wave in Nazaré, Portugal. With a captivating narrative and breathtaking shots of the ocean, the series won two Emmys this year for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program.

Of the win, Zachary said, “I was in disbelief, it felt like the culmination of so much work ever since Dwight.” 

Starting his Dwight journey in 7th grade, Zachary was hoping to find a passion or a talent that could motivate him during his studies. “I didn’t do well except if I was uniquely interested in something,” he said.

Two years later, Dwight added a film program to the IB. Zachary mentioned this program as being the place in which his spark was ignited. “I just thrived. It was the most success I ever had and manifested to success in all of my classes. It was because of Dwight that I got interested in film again.”

In fact, his superlative was “most likely to become a documentary filmmaker.” We are so proud that this came true. Congratulations to Zachary!