ABOUT THE HENRY AWARDS
MISSION STATEMENT
The Henry Awards for Public Interest Documentary recognize nonfiction films that advance public understanding of the critical issues of our time while demonstrating outstanding cinematic achievement. Guided by the hallmarks of ethical practice, rigorous investigation, and courageous storytelling, the Henry Awards are intended to honor and encourage a documentary filmmaking practice grounded in its essential role to a thriving society and focused on the public good.
Starting with the 2025 Henry Awards, a grand prize of $100,000 will be awarded annually, along with 4-6 finalists and special jury prize winners who will also receive cash prizes.
Financial support for the Henry Awards Program is provided by Linda and John Henry. The program is administered by the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.Photo credit: Harvard Kennedy School.
DOCUMENTARY FILM INITIATIVE
The goal of the Shorenstein Center’s Documentary Film in the Public Interest Initiative is to inspire a documentary film practice and infrastructure that can contribute to strong societies. The Initiative’s activities are designed to bridge thought and action. We bring together practitioners and researchers, journalists and documentary filmmakers, public policy leaders and technologists in a shared project to build a more resilient field that can serve the needs of a democratic public by design.
SHORENSTEIN CENTER
The Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy is a Harvard Kennedy School research center dedicated to examining how essential information is created, conveyed, and consumed. We believe that improving the quality of public information and expanding access to it will bring about healthier, stronger, more peaceful societies. The Center pursues its core mission through original research, convening leaders in practice and scholarship, providing trainings and educational opportunities for students and media practitioners, and highlighting best practices across the fields of media and content production.
Documentary Film Initiative program director Sara Archambault (left) speaks with filmmakers Camilla Hall (center) and Jennifer Tiexiera (right) following a screening of their documentary SUBJECT.
Former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley (left) moderates a conversation with filmmaker Dawn Porter (center) and Harvard Law School Professor of Practice Alan Jenkins (right) about Porter’s documentary series Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court.
Contact Us
For more information, contact us at [email protected].
