Calling all young creatives in the Midwest!

Join the Latest Generation Film Challenge.

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. Creatives can try something new, showcase their work, learn from experts, and connect with fellow participants. With no entry fee, this initiative offers a low-stakes environment with high personal rewards.


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.

Explore More

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

Join us Tuesday, September 24, 7-8:30 p.m. CT, for our first Latest Generation Mentor Session as part of our filmmaking challenge for aspiring filmmakers in the Midwest ages 14-22.

Latest Generation Professional Development Session: Story Development

Join us October 1 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."

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."

Latest Generation Mentor Session: Twin Cities PBS

Join us for a mentor session featuring Emmy award-winning history documentary producer/directors from Twin Cities PBS, Daniel Pierce Bergin, 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.