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 nationwide 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.

This program is a partnership between the Lincoln Presidential Foundation and The Better Angels Society, and funded through the Amy Margerum Berg Education Fund, with additional support from the National Park Foundation.

Learn About Free Virtual Mentor Sessions

Announcing the 2027 Latest Generation Theme: "Stories of Repair"

This year's theme was inspired by Lincoln's call to bind up the nation's wounds and strive toward a just and lasting peace.

“With malice toward none, with charity for all… let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds… to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”

Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address, 1865

Throughout American history, leaders, organizations, and communities have undertaken this work in different ways. They have expanded opportunity, strengthened institutions, confronted injustice, and created pathways to a brighter future.

In its third year, the Latest Generation Film Contest invite anyone ages 14-22 to make your voice heard in a 5-8 minute documentary film. Your film should capture a true story from the past exploring how an American, or group of Americans, have responded to hardship, division, or injustice and helped repair it.

Whose story will you tell?

No experience is needed to try your hand at filmmaking. You can use your camera or a phone. Winners will receive mentorship, a cash prize and walk the red carpet in Chicago!

Submission deadline: February 28, 2027

Get contest updates!

Check out past winners

For complete criteria, eligibility, and to submit your 2027 film:

Join our Free Virtual Mentor Sessions

Session One: The Filmmaker's Blueprint: Story Structure & Production Basics-November 10

Join us for the first free virtual mentor session of the Latest Generation Film Contest on Tuesday, November 10, at 7 PM ET / 6 PM CT / 4 PM PT.

Every great documentary starts with a plan. Filmmakers Liliane Calfee (DePaul University) and Lizzy Montana (Squishy Banana Studios) walk you through the fundamentals of documentary storytelling and production in this interactive workshop.

Session Two: Telling an Overlooked Story is its own Act of Repair and the Interview is Where it Happens- November 19

Join us for the second free virtual mentor session of the Latest Generation Film Contest on Thursday, November 19, at 7 PM ET / 6 PM CT / 4 PM PT.

Every community has stories waiting to be told. Learn how to find them and how to get people talking on camera in this hands-on workshop with filmmakers and educators Hector Chaira (Latino Film Institute’s Youth Cinema Project), Jasmene Miranda (Media Academy), and Barbara Valentino (Docs in Progress).

Ken Burns Announces 2027 Latest Generation Film Contest

The Lincoln Presidential Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2027 “Latest Generation Film Contest,” and we’re honored to have a special introduction from acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns!

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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Watch the Sizzle Reel – Get Inspired to Enter This Year’s Contest

Ready to see what’s possible? Watch our sizzle reel from a past 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 2027 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 “Stories of Repair.”🎬 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, 2027

👉 Learn more and enter the contest

Contest Winner Mia Rasmussen Encourages You to Start Filming!

In 2025, Mia Rasmussen won the Latest Generation Film Contest - and she’s here to tell you how you can get started. Your story about someone who made a difference? 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!

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

In 2025, 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: “Stories of Repair.” 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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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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🎬 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.

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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