Calling all young creatives in the Midwest!

Join the Latest Generation Film Contest.

The contest theme, “On This Land,” encourages creators to explore and share stories rooted in the geography and places around them. Aspiring Midwest filmmakers aged 14 to 22 are invited to create and submit short films, 5-8 minutes in length, by December 31, 2024. Cash prizes ranging from $500 to $2,000 in three separate age brackets will be awarded. Winning films will premiere at a red-carpet film festival in Chicago in 2025.

Participants can choose between competing in the film contest, joining filmmaking discussion forums, attending online mentor sessions with professional filmmakers, or doing all of the above. 

Quick Facts for Young Filmmakers:

  • Open to filmmakers ages 14-22 who reside in the Midwest
  • 2024 Theme: “On This Land” exploring events, figures, and movements that have shaped your local area and beyond
  • Duration: Films must be between 5-8 minutes long
  • Submissions Due: December 31, 2024
  • Winners Announced: March 2025
  • Prize: Cash prizes ranging from $500-$2,000 in each of 3 age categories
  • Award celebration will take place at a red carpet premiere in Chicago in spring 2025
  • Master Class Virtual Mentoring Sessions: Join any of our free sessions this fall with expert filmmakers and historians

Contest Rules   Submit Entry

The Latest Generation Film Contest is inspired by President Abraham Lincoln’s question to an Indianapolis crowd in 1861: "Shall the liberties of this country be preserved to the latest generation?" This program is made possible by a generous grant from The Better Angels Society through the Amy Margerum Berg Education Fund to the Lincoln Presidential Foundation.

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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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