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.

The 2026 Contest Theme: “Think Anew, Act Anew: American Innovators and Changemakers”

As America approaches 250 years of history, the Latest Generation Film Contest invites young filmmakers to explore powerful stories of people in the United States who faced moments of change and responded with courage, creativity, and bold action.

Inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s 1862 Annual Message to Congress, in which he declared, “We must think anew, and act anew,” this year’s theme challenges participants to look to the past for stories that reshaped communities and helped the nation move forward.

Now in its second year and expanding nationwide, the contest is open to U.S. residents ages 14–22. Participants are invited to create a 5–8 minute documentary film that tells a true story of someone who challenged the status quo, embraced a new way of thinking, or imagined a different future—and, in doing so, helped others thrive.

Winning filmmakers will receive mentorship, cash prizes, and will be honored at a red carpet event in Chicago.  

Submission deadline: February 28, 2026

Sign up HERE for contest updates.

Join our Free Virtual Mentor Session

We are hosting our final free mentor session in support of the contest on Monday, January 12. Digging Into the Past: Researching Real Stories offers practical guidance for emerging filmmakers, with insights on finding and vetting sources, synthesizing research, and exploring non-traditional storytelling. The session features Michelle Mehrtens (Smithsonian Enterprises), Ryan Shank (Conner Prairie), and Mia Rasmussen (2024 Latest Generation Film Contest winner).

Register Now

See Our Past Winners Here!

Authentic Voices, Powerful Stories

Representation on screen shapes how we see the world—and who tells the story makes all the difference. Watch award-winning Cherokee filmmaker Jeremy Charles and museum founder James Pepper Henry (Kaw/Muscogee) for a FREE virtual conversation on Indigenous representation in film. Hear how Native creators are reclaiming their narratives, shaping new possibilities for the screen, and bringing powerful stories to life. They share behind-the-scenes insights, clips, creative lessons, and guidance for storytellers looking to make impactful work rooted in authenticity.

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The Ethics of AI in Documentary Filmmaking

How can filmmakers balance creativity, historical accuracy, and accountability in the age of AI? As artificial intelligence transforms every part of the creative process—from research to post-production—storytellers face new questions about bias and authorship. Watch award-winning producers Chris Hastings (WGBH, BET, and President & General Manager, WXXI Public Media) and Louise Rosen (Oscar and Emmy-winning Managing Director, Louise Rosen Ltd.) for a candid conversation on how AI is reshaping documentary storytelling. Moderated by Jason Steinhauer, founder of the History Communications Institute.

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Award-Winning Filmmakers Deepti & Madeline | Join the Lincoln Presidential Foundation Film Contest!

Last year, Deepti Koduru and Madeline Kim were selected as winners in the Lincoln Presidential Foundation’s Latest Generation Film Contest. Their documentary premiered at a red-carpet event in Chicago, where they connected with other talented young filmmakers and viewed powerful films centered on the theme of “On This Land.” Now, the contest is back—with a brand-new theme: “Think Anew, Act Anew.” If you’re a filmmaker ages 14–22, this is your chance to create meaningful work, gain recognition, and showcase your film on a professional stage.

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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

🎬 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.

Contest Winner Mia Rasmussen Encourages You to Start Filming!

Last year, Mia Rasmussen won the Latest Generation Film Contest - and now she’s here to tell you how you can get started, whether you take videos on your iPhone or dream of the silver screen. Your story about someone who made change? That could help you walk the red carpet in Chicago! The contest is accepting submissions until Feb. 28, plus you can attend mentor sessions all fall with expert filmmakers.

Latest Generation Film Contest Winner Mia Rasmussen is here to share with you on how to get started!

Script to Storyboard to Screen with Patrick Wimp

Calling all creators! Watch a FREE MENTOR SESSION from award-winning filmmaker Patrick Wimp, for advice on turning your idea for a documentary project into a script, research, writing, storyboarding and more. Learn how to pivot as the story changes with new information, shape information around a narrative, and when to call it done.

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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