South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is proud to announce that the digital series Wild Wild South has been nominated for a 2025 Wildscreen Panda Award in the “On-Screen Talent” category.
The Wildscreen Panda Awards have celebrated excellence in natural world storytelling since 1982. The awards remain the highest honor in the global wildlife film and television industry, spotlighting creative achievement in documentary production that connects audiences with the wonders of nature and raises awareness of the planet’s most pressing environmental issues. This year’s competition saw 682 entries, from 46 countries across the 17 categories.
Wild Wild South, hosted by wildlife filmmaker Hyatt Mamoun, is a four-episode digital series that takes viewers on an immersive journey through South Carolina’s wild landscapes. With humor, scientific curiosity and heartfelt storytelling, Mamoun introduces audiences to the region’s unique habitats and wildlife — from coastal marshes to maritime forests. The series showcases Mamoun’s distinctive on-screen presence, blending wit, authenticity and a deep reverence for the natural world.
The nomination recognizes Mamoun’s engaging and insightful performance as the face of Wild Wild South, being nominated beside National Geographic’s Eva Zu Beck and Bertie Gregory. Mamoun’s ability to connect viewers with science, wildlife and regional beauty exemplifies the storytelling craft celebrated by the Wildscreen Panda Awards.
A Sound Off Films and Southern Wild Films production for SCETV, Wild Wild South embodies SCETV’s mission to deliver trusted, impactful and locally relevant content to the people of the Palmetto State and beyond. The series reflects SCETV’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and digital-first storytelling that fosters public engagement with the natural world.
Wild Wild South episodes highlighting different parts of South Carolina’s Lowcountry were released in April 2025. Episodes are available on SCETV’s digital platforms, including SCETV.org, PBS.org, the SCETV and PBS apps, Facebook and YouTube.
The winners of the competition will be announced at the Wildscreen Panda Awards Ceremony on Oct. 22. A full list of nominees is available online.
QUOTES
"We are thrilled to see Wild Wild South receive this international recognition. Hyatt’s authenticity and passion bring the outdoors to life in a way that’s both entertaining and educational. This nomination is a testament to her talent and to SCETV’s commitment to delivering trusted, impactful and locally relevant content to the people of the Palmetto State and beyond." –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Hyatt’s approach to storytelling is fresh, fearless and incredibly fun, and it’s exactly the kind of content we strive to deliver to our South Carolina audiences and beyond. This nomination affirms Hyatt's ability to connect audiences to promote the natural world in meaningful and unexpected ways.” –SCETV Senior Director of Audio and Digital Operations Tabitha Safdi
"We are so unbelievably honored to have been nominated for a Wildscreen Panda Award for Wild Wild South! I want to give a huge gator-sized thank you to our amazing crew at Southern Wild Films for battling swarms of mosquitoes in the middle of insane rainstorms to capture the beauty of the lowcountry, and to the awesome folks at SCETV for supporting us, as well as the ever-so-talented team at Sound Off Films for bringing this show to life! I can't wait to jump back into the mud to share more southern wildlife stories in the future!" –Wild Wild South Host and Producer Hyatt Mamoun
FAST FACTS
- Wild Wild South has been nominated for the 2025 Wildscreen Panda Awards in the “On-Screen Talent” category.
- The series is hosted by wildlife filmmaker Hyatt Mamoun, who blends humor, science and storytelling to highlight South Carolina’s wildlife and habitats.
- The Wildscreen Panda Awards are considered the highest honor in the international wildlife film and television industry.
- The winners of the competition will be announced at the Wildscreen Panda Awards Ceremony on Oct. 22.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
“Wild Wild South” nominated for international wildlife film and television award (PDF)
