The 2025 Winners of the Latest Generation Film Contest

The inaugural Lincoln Presidential Foundation Latest Generation Film Contest challenged young filmmakers aged 14–22 in the Midwest to explore the theme “On This Land.” Supported by The Better Angels Society and the Amy Margerum Berg Education Fund, the program provided free resources to help participants bring historical stories to life through documentary film.

Hundreds of submissions were received from the Midwest and beyond. Films were reviewed by a panel of experts, with top entries selected for recognition. The winners were celebrated at a red-carpet premiere in Chicago on June 22, 2025, showcasing the creativity and historical insight of the next generation of visual storytellers.

Thanks to the success and interest in the program, Lincoln Presidential Foundation is rolling it out nationally in fall 2025.

Learn about this year’s theme, criteria, and how to submit on FilmFreeway:

View the 2025 Premiere Livestream

2025 winning films and past mentor session videos available below

Ages 20-22

1ST PLACE

The Garden of Eden Documentary

Ryan Schuckman

Hays, Kansas

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2ND PLACE

Hip Hop is a Home

Jherrisha Barr

Chicago, Illinois

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3RD PLACE

Grandpa Noel’s Gift

Riley Killian

Appleton, Wisconsin

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SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Excellence in Storytelling

The Barn is Burning

Carter J. Hellwarth

Celina, Ohio

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Ages 17-19

1ST PLACE

Kansas City Jazz: A Frontier for Black Success

Mia Rasmussen

Lawrence, Kansas

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2ND PLACE

Turning the Tide: Glen Lake Sanatorium's Crusade to Conquer Tuberculosis

Sasha Allen

Eden Prairie, Minnesota

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3RD PLACE

Board by Board: How the Movement of One Church Constructed a Community’s History

Jennifer Omernik

Custer, Wisconsin

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SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Original Approach to History

Extra Ordinary Girls: Stories from the Underground Railroad

Mariam Umar, Illiana Ambriz, Karenna Zemek, Bailey Callahan, Dalaysia Dixon, Aniya Dixon, Garyel Welch

Moline, Illinois

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SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Depth of Research

What They Taught Us: How Grassroots Diplomacy Shaped the Cultivation of Milwaukee Neighborhoods

Krin Elizabeth Blegen

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

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Ages 14-16

1ST PLACE

The Life of Ike

Isaac Gorges

Wichita, Kansas

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2ND PLACE

Buttons, Baby Teeth, and Bombs: The St. Louis Baby Tooth Project

Rohan Deshpande

Chesterfield, Missouri

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3RD PLACE

On This Land: Dr. Norman Borlaug's Lasting Legacy

Jackson Ray Mehmen

Plainfield, Iowa

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SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Creativity in Storytelling

Rock Revolutionaries -
The Chicago Women's Liberation Rock Band

Deepti Koduru, Madeleine Kim, Noa Kim-Cohen, Selasi Affram

Chicago, Illinois

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Beyond the Midwest

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Creativity in Storytelling

35,567 Yup'ik Stories

Magnus Shipe

Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Encourage Your Students to Shine: Film Contest Deadline Extended!

Lauren Cella, history teacher and content creator, shares news about the new deadline and encourages teachers and students to participate in the Latest Generation Film Contest. The deadline has been extended to January 31, 2025, giving students (ages 14-22 in the Midwest) more time to submit 5-8 minute films on the theme “On This Land.” Whether it's a new project or a film they’ve already created, this contest offers the chance to: 🏆 Win prizes up to $2,000 🎥 Attend a red carpet premiere in Chicago this June 🌟 Share unique stories

Youth Advisor Video

In this intro video, our award-winning filmmaker invites you to take part in the Lincoln Presidential Foundation's Latest Generation Film Contest! If you're aged 14-22, this is your chance to discover intriguing stories and share them with the world.

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Intro from our Youth Advisor

The Latest Generation Film Contest has it all! Craft a short film that tells a story YOU care about and submit it by December 31 for a chance to win cash prizes and experience a red-carpet premiere! 🌟 ✅ Trying something new ✅ Creating a film ✅ Meet experts and other young creators Whether you're a TikToker, a film student, a YouTube commentator, or have never picked up a camera, this contest is perfect for you. You can access free training from experts. It's all about discovering new skills and bringing your unique stories to life—all for creatives aged 14-22 in the Midwest. Don’t wait—get started today and unleash your creativity! 🎥✨

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Ken Burns Video Announcement

The Lincoln Presidential Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of the “Latest Generation Film Contest,” and we’re honored to have a special introduction from acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns!

Latest Generation Mentor Session Florentine Films: Archival Research & Short Form Storytelling

Watch our first Latest Generation Mentor Session as part of our filmmaking challenge for aspiring filmmakers in the Midwest ages 14-22.

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Latest Generation Professional Development Session: Story Development

Watch our professional development session featuring documentary filmmaker Liliane Calfee from DePaul University and veteran educator Laura Rosenberg that explores storytelling through documentary filmmaking, centered around the contest theme "On This Land."

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Latest Generation Professional Development Session: Producing the Short

Join us October 3 at 6pm CT for a professional development session featuring documentary filmmaker Liliane Calfee from DePaul University and veteran educator Laura Rosenberg that explores storytelling through documentary filmmaking, centered around the contest theme "On This Land."

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Latest Generation Mentor Session: History From Your Point of View

Watch this mentor session as acclaimed filmmakers Stacy Robinson and Rita Coburn share their unique approaches to bringing the past to life, highlighting how personal stories intertwine with the larger historical forces at play.

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Latest Generation Mentor Session: Twin Cities PBS

Watch our mentor session featuring Emmy award-winning history documentary producer/directors from Twin Cities PBS, Kevin Dragseth and Leya Hale, to learn about storytelling, structure, archival resources, and editing tips and tricks to create content that brings the past to life.

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Latest Generation Mentor Session: Detroit PBS-Exploring the Power of Place

Join us November 13 at 6 PM CT/7 PM ET for a free mentor session designed for aspiring filmmakers participating in this year's Latest Generation Film Contest, themed "On This Land." Industry experts Robert Huck and David Crouse, co-creators of "Michigan: An American Portrait," will share their insights on documentary filmmaking in an engaging conversation with Matt Hamilton from the Michigan Learning Channel.

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