WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As we kick off another wild year, Nat Geo WILD and the Sun Valley Film Festival announce the Fourth Annual WILD TO INSPIRE Short Film Contest. In an effort to continue to support young filmmakers and innovation in filmmaking, Nat Geo WILD will host the WILD TO INSPIRE contest entirely on Instagram — arguably the most influential photo and video platform available.

“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.”

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Every day, people from across the country experience compelling and life-changing encounters with the great outdoors. The one-minute-video contest calls on people to share the wildlife stories from their own backyards, their travels or people they encounter who are making a difference in the lives of animals. The No. 1 goal is to use the power of film to inspire others to let the wild in.

The contest is open to U.S. residents, and all entries must be under one minute (multiple entries are allowed). Beginning Jan. 4, people can enter by simply tagging their short wildlife film #WildToInspireContest on Instagram. Each filmmaker is entered to win the chance to screen their film at the Sun Valley Film Festival in Sun Valley, Idaho, March 15-19, followed by the trip of a lifetime — a National Geographic expedition to Africa.

“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.”

“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.”

As entries roll in, Nat Geo WILD will review each film and @natgeowild will be reposting entries via its Instagram account. The submission period closes on Feb. 15, and finalists will be announced on Feb. 27. To view all WILD TO INSPIRE contest rules, regulations and prizing, visit the WILD TO INSPIRE microsite.

About National Geographic Partners LLC

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between National Geographic and 21st Century Fox, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 128 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching over 730 million people around the world in 171 countries and 45 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the non-profit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.