Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film

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. Their mission is to educate, engage and provoke thoughtful discussion among people of every political persuasion and ideology.