National Geographic WILD and Sun Valley Film Festival Launch Sixth Annual WILD

National Geographic WILD, the network synonymous with exploration of the world's wildest places and animals, and the Sun Valley Film Festival, presented by Ford, are excited to announce the sixth annual WILD to Inspire contest, an open call for short films by U.S. filmmakers. The top finalists will screen their films at the Sun Valley Film Festival, where one lucky grand prize winner will be chosen to receive $1,000 and a National Geographic Expedition to explore wildlife and wild places up close alongside Nat Geo Explorers.

Nat Geo WILD is known for bringing viewers face to face with animals across the wildest corners of the planet - but exploration means more than climbing the highest mountain or diving into the deepest depths of the ocean. Exploration is a mindset - which is why, in a nod to the network's storied history of exploration, this year's contest is a challenge to filmmakers to celebrate the everyday explorer. Whether listening to new music, embracing new cultures or making a film, all it takes to be an everyday explorer is a little bit of curiosity and determination.

U.S. residents are invited to submit a short film of three minutes or less using the platform Submittable. Films should feature an everyday explorer and/or inspire others to become everyday explorers. The top finalists, announced in early March, will receive an invitation to attend the Sun Valley Film Festival in Sun Valley, Idaho, March 13-17, to screen their films for festival attendees, a panel of judges and Nat Geo WILD executives. The winner will be announced at the festival's closing ceremony and will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and a National Geographic Expedition.

"At Nat Geo WILD, exploration is in our DNA," said Janet Han Vissering, senior vice president, development and production, Nat Geo WILD. "WILD to Inspire is an incredible opportunity for us to discover fresh new voices in filmmaking, who are as naturally curious about exploring the world from behind the lens as we are."

"Supporting aspiring filmmakers is central to our mission," added Teddy Grennan, executive director of the Sun Valley Film Festival. "Each year we're blown away by the talent and creativity that comes out of WILD to Inspire, and we look forward to showcasing this next class of storytellers."

The submission period is open now through March 1. The contest is open to U.S. residents, and all entries must be under three minutes (multiple entries are allowed). To view all WILD to Inspire contest rules, regulations and prizing, visit wildtoinspire.submittable.com.

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