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The Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film is now open for submissions! The Prize for Film honors exemplary documentary films about U.S. History and awards $350,000 annually. Submit by May 3.
Does your film qualify?
The Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film (Prize for Film) was established in 2019 by the Library of Congress and The Better Angels Society, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging Americans with their history through documentary film. Now in its eighth year, the Prize for Film recognizes exemplary documentary films that tell compelling stories about American history.
Films supported by the Prize for Film must focus on an American historical subject, issue, or person within a time frame occurring at least twenty years prior to submission and must present a variety of perspectives grounded in extensive and thorough research. The majority of the film must be historically focused to qualify, and the prize invites submissions employing a broad range of storytelling devices and archival materials. The Prize for Film accepts both rough and fine cut submissions and is awarded based on a film’s potential for widespread distribution and impact.
Applicants to the Prize for Film can indicate interest in the Better Angels Lavine Fellowship, a customized mentorship program and cash prize of $5,000. 20-minute submissions will be considered for the Fellowship only. Learn more about the Fellowship.
Before submitting to the Prize for Film, please review the complete Eligibility and Application Criteria and FAQs.