Nat Geo WILD Launches ‘WILD TO INSPIRE’ Short Film Contest Encouraging Young Filmmakers to Share Their Love of Nature

Jan 16, 2017 7:00 AM ET

21st Century Fox Social Impact

Nat Geo WILD uses the power of storytelling to inspire a love of wildlife and nature in its audiences, and through a new short film contest, the network is giving young filmmakers across the U.S. the chance to do the same.

The 4th annual WILD TO INSPIRE competition asks contestants to create one-minute videos that share personal wildlife stories, from travels around the globe to the habitats and ecosystems thriving in their own backyards. Enter the contest by uploading these videos to Instagram with the hashtag #WildToInspireContest until submissions close on February 15.

“It’s only through the incredible storytellers behind the camera that we’re able to take our viewers inside some pretty wild places,” said Geoff Daniels, executive vice president and general manager, Nat Geo WILD. “Being able to support and provide a platform for the next generation of filmmakers who have the same passion for nature and wildlife as we do is extremely rewarding.”

On February 27, the network will announce three finalists who will screen their films at the Sun Valley Film Festival in Sun Valley, Idaho, in March, as well as win a cash prize. One Grand Prize Winner will then embark on an all-expenses-paid expedition to Africa, where he or she will document the trip through photos, videos and blog posts on the Nat Geo WILD site. The contest is open to all U.S. residents.

“WILD TO INSPIRE is just one of the many ways in which the Sun Valley Film Festival showcases emerging filmmakers,” added Teddy Grennan, executive director of the festival. “We look forward to seeing how this year’s submissions will take on the challenge of the one-minute film.”

Learn more about WILD TO INSPIRE, including how to enter, and check out the trailer here.