Congratulations to the 2026 Winners!
In its second year, the Lincoln Presidential Foundation's Latest Generation Film Contest went national — and young filmmakers rose to the challenge. Participants ages 14–22 submitted short historical documentaries inspired by Lincoln's call to "Think Anew, Act Anew," exploring the stories of American innovators and changemakers. Presented in partnership with The Better Angels Society with support from the Amy Margerum Berg Education Fund, the program provided free resources to help participants bring historical stories to life through documentary film. Winning films were selected by a panel of filmmakers and educators who were impressed by the creativity, research, and storytelling demonstrated by the participants.
Stay tuned! Winning films will be available here after the red-carpet premiere on June 27.
Ages 20-22
1ST PLACE
Following her Rhythm - Who was Sylvia del Villard?
Naia Wakai Torres
San Juan, Puerto Rico
2ND PLACE
"Hell, They’ve Got to Eat, Too”: How Federal Project Number One Shaped America’s Cultural Landscape
Sasha Allen
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
3RD PLACE
The Story of Mesa Verde
Ryan Schuckman
Hays, Kansas
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Bridging Past and Present
The Wetlands We Inherit
Jakob Highducheck
Charleston, South Carolina
Ages 17-19
1ST PLACE
Septima Clark: Mother of Liberation
Imani Laird
Newton Highlands, Massachusetts
2ND PLACE
Warrior Spirit
Ainsley Garrett
Klamath Falls, Oregon
3RD PLACE
With Great Power: The Revolution of the Comic Industry
Jaden Friedman
Miami, Florida
SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Excellence in Storytelling
Line of Fire
Cameron Kirkegaard
Grand Junction, Colorado
Ages 14-16
1ST PLACE
The Many Faces of Lyndon Johnson
Wewish Mahawong
Claremont, California
2ND PLACE
In the Footsteps of My Family
Davis Lee
Los Angeles, California
3RD PLACE
Elizabeth Peratrovich: Trailblazer for America’s First Anti-Discrimination Act
Divya Kareena Thamman
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Special Recognition: Depth of Research
When Silence Spoke Louder
Dari Cho, Emily Lee, and Derrick Fujioka
Honolulu, Hawaii