Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film

Award Type: Documentary film finishing grant

Purpose: Recognizes late-stage documentary films that use original research and compelling narrative to tell stories that bring American history to life using archival materials. The prize celebrates documentarians who focus on some aspect of American history with inclusive stories drawn from America's past.

Award Amount:

• Winner: $200,000 finishing grant
• Runner-up: $50,000 award
• Four finalists: $25,000 each

Established: 2019 (inaugural award)

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas:

• American history documentaries
• Original research-based historical narratives
• Inclusive stories from America's past
• Stories often overlooked or under-discussed in American history

Eligibility:

• Documentary filmmakers
• Films in late-stage production
• Original research required
• Compelling narrative structure required
• Must use archival materials

What the Award Supports:

• Postproduction costs
• Outreach and marketing
• Final prints and corrections
• Final edits
• Rights to footage or photographs

Partners:

• The Better Angels Society (nonprofit)
• Library of Congress
• Crimson Lion/Lavine Family Foundation (funding through Jonathan and Jeannie Lavine)
• Florentine Films (Ken Burns' production company)

Mentorship Component: Winners receive consultation with Ken Burns and his production company, Florentine Films

Recent Winners:

• 2023: DROP DEAD CITY – NEW YORK ON THE BRINK IN 1975 (Michael Rohatyn and Peter Yost)
• 2022: BELLA! (Jeff L. Lieberman) and PHILLY ON FIRE (Ross Hockrow and Tommy Walker)
• 2021: GRADUALLY, THEN SUDDENLY: THE BANKRUPTCY OF DETROIT (Sam Katz and James McGovern) and HOLD YOUR FIRE (Stefan Forbes)
• 2020: FLANNERY (Elizabeth Coffman and Mark Bosco, S.J.)
• 2019: FLANNERY (Elizabeth Coffman and Mark Bosco, S.J.)

Jury Selection Process:

• Internal Review Committee reviews submissions
• Expert jury of academics and filmmakers reviews finalists
• Librarian of Congress and Ken Burns select winning film(s)

Contact:

• The Better Angels Society
• 5185 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 570
• Washington, DC 20016
• Phone: 202-809-9976
• Website: thebetterangelssociety.org

About The Better Angels Society: A nonprofit organization dedicated to educating Americans about their history through documentary film.