About the Latest Generation Film Contest

Inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s question, “Shall the liberties of this country be preserved to the latest generation?” the Lincoln Presidential Foundation’s Latest Generation Film Contest encourages young filmmakers to explore history through the art of documentary storytelling. The program offers free resources for participants and educators, along with awards and recognition, to help youth ages 14-22 turn historical insight into powerful, memorable films.

Click HERE to hear directly from Ken on why YOUR voice matters—and why this contest could be your first step into the world of documentary filmmaking.

This program is a partnership between the Lincoln Presidential Foundation and The Better Angels Society, and funded through the Amy Margerum Berg Education Fund

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The program first launched in 2024 with an inspiring message from award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns.

Announcing the 2026 Latest Generation Film Contest Theme:
“Think Anew, Act Anew”

This year’s theme was inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s 1862 Annual Message to Congress: “The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present... We must think anew, and act anew.”

In its second year, the Latest Generation Film Contest invites anyone ages 14 to 22 to make your voice heard in a 5-8 minute documentary film. Your film should capture a true story from the past where someone took the opportunity to “think anew, and act anew” – to diverge from the status quo, make a change, or imagine a different future that helped a community, or a nation, thrive. No experience is needed to try your hand at filmmaking. You can use your camera or a phone. Winners will gain mentorship, a cash prize and walk the red carpet in Chicago!

Sign up for updates, reminders, and free mentor sessions

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Writer, Producer, Filmmaker Patrick Wimp
Latest Generation Film Contest! Creators aged 14 to 22 that are based in the U.S. are invited to produce a 5 to 8 minute film to tell a true story! This year's theme is Think anew, Act anew and the deadline for submissions is February 28th, 2026.Click here to be redirected to FilmFreeway where you can submit your film.

Click Here to Register for our Mentor Session with Patrick Wimp

For complete criteria, eligibility, and to submit your 2026 film submit on FilmFreeway:

See Our Past Winners Here!

🎬 Could You Be America’s Next Great Documentary Filmmaker?

The Lincoln Presidential Foundation, in proud partnership with The Better Angels Society and funded through the Amy Margerum Berg Fund, invites young creators ages 14–22 to enter the Latest Generation Film Contest. Even if you've never made a film before, legendary filmmaker Ken Burns believes you have a story worth telling. 📽️ Hear directly from Ken on why YOUR voice matters—and why this contest could be your first step into the world of documentary filmmaking. 🔗 Learn more & submit your film: https://www.lincolnpresidential.org/latest-generation-film-contest/

👉 Whether you're passionate about history, storytelling, social change, or just want to try something new, this is your chance to make your mark.

Announcement from a Past Winner – This Year’s Contest Theme Revealed!

Hear directly from one of last year’s winning filmmakers as they introduce the 2025 theme for the Latest Generation Film Contest: “Think Anew, Act Anew.” Now open nationwide, this annual documentary contest invites creators ages 14 to 22 to tell real stories of transformation — moments where someone chose to break from the past and take bold action to build a better future. 📽️ What to Submit: A 5–8 minute documentary film that shows how one individual or group took a new path that helped a community — or a nation — thrive. 💡 No film experience needed. You can use your phone or any camera. 🏆 Winners receive: Mentorship from professional filmmakers Cash prizes A red carpet experience in Chicago 📅 Submission deadline: February 28 2026 👉 Submit your film or learn more here: https://filmfreeway.com/LatestGenerationFilmContest

Get Inspired to Enter This Year’s Contest

Watch the Sizzle Reel – Get Inspired to Enter This Year’s Contest

Ready to see what’s possible? Watch our sizzle reel from last year’s contest to get inspired by the powerful stories and bold ideas submitted by youth filmmakers from across the country. These films were created by people just like you — students, first-time filmmakers, young people with a story to tell and the courage to tell it. Now it’s your turn. The 2025 Latest Generation Film Contest is open to creators ages 14–22 from across the U.S. Your challenge: make a 5–8 minute documentary that captures the spirit of “Think Anew, Act Anew.” Show us someone who took a leap, changed course, or reimagined what’s possible — and made a real impact. 🎬 No experience needed — just creativity, curiosity, and a story to share. 🎁 Prizes include: Mentorship from professional filmmakers Cash awards A red carpet celebration in Chicago 📅 Submit your film by February 28, 2026

👉 Learn more and enter the contest