The Better Angels/Lavine Fellowship

The Better Angels/Lavine Fellowship

Award Type: Mentorship program for documentary filmmakers

Purpose: A mentorship program for history documentary filmmakers whose work explores inclusive stories drawn from America's past. Fellows receive mentorship, advice, and networking opportunities from industry professionals.

Established: 2020

Program Structure:

Five filmmakers selected annually (beginning November 2020)

Candidates must submit films to the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film

Demonstrate significant potential in documentary filmmaking

What's Included:

Expert mentorship from industry professionals

Advice on filmmaking craft

Networking opportunities

Support for both Prize submissions and overall craft development

Mentor Panel Members:

Salimah El-Amin (documentary film producer/archival expert, Florentine Films and Skiff Mountain Films)

Melissa Haizlip (documentary filmmaker, 2019 Prize finalist)

Helen Huang (former Senior Director of Acquisitions, Showtime Networks)

Ray Costa (publicist, Owner/Founder Costa Communications)

Connie White (Owner/Founder, Balcony Booking)

Ron Yerxa (independent and documentary film producer)

Zak Kilberg (producer and film distribution expert)

Funding Partner:

Crimson Lion/Lavine Family Foundation (Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine)

Connection to Main Prize:

Element of the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film

Supports filmmakers submitting to the annual Prize

Inaugural Fellows (2020):

Gregory S. Cooke (INVISIBLE WARRIORS: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN WORLD WAR II)

Joy Elaine Davenport (FANNIE LOU HAMER'S AMERICA)

Diallo Javonne (FRENCH KANSAS CITY DREAMIN')

Geoff O'Gara (HOME FROM SCHOOL: THE CHILDREN OF CARLISLE)

Peter von Puttkamer (SOUL SISTERS)

Contact:

The Better Angels Society

5185 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 570

Washington, DC 20016

Phone: 202-809-9976

Website: thebetterangelssociety.org