FAQs for the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film
To qualify for the Prize for Film, your project should center a topic rooted in U.S. history, focusing on events, issues, or individuals from at least 20 years ago or earlier. We recognize that U.S. history is often intertwined with the histories of other countries and will review each submission to determine whether the film meaningfully centers U.S. history.
While historical documentaries often span the past and present, we will evaluate each submission to determine if the majority, or over 50%, is historically focused.
The Prize for Film does not support fictional works about U.S. history; it is awarded exclusively to documentary films that include extensive research and multiple perspectives.
All projects should be in a late stage of post-production or locked upon submission.
No, we do not accept submissions of less than 50 minutes to the Prize for Film. If you are in early post-production, please consider applying for our Better Angels Lavine Fellowship, for which we accept 20 minute works-in-progress.
No, we do not accept short films to the Prize for Film.
To be eligible for consideration, your project should adhere to the Archival Producers Alliance’s Best Practices for Use of Generative AI.
The Better Angels Lavine Fellowship will open in summer 2026. Details about the application will be available this spring.
Yes, but you will not be selected for both in the same year. Fellows are eligible, and encouraged, to resubmit to the Prize for Film the following year.
October 22, 2026 in New York City. Winners will be offered travel reimbursement to attend.
At this time, we cannot offer any feedback on submissions.
