ELIGIBILITY

The Henry Awards understand the phrase “advancing public understanding” to mean:  

• the film/series addresses critical topics in the public interest, 
• the film/series has an impact on public perception or attitudes,  
• the film/series plays a role in shifting public policy or exposing individual or institutional malfeasance,  
• the film/series inspires progress in public behaviors or public life, and/or
• the film/series makes a significant archival contribution to the public record. 

We are committed to honoring those films/series that have a significant impact on civic understanding; however, the Henry Awards do not define “impact” as advocacy or organized activism. While both documentary filmmaking and journalism seek to provide accountability and provoke change, documentary impact tends to be more diffuse, long-term, and, at times, the filmmakers take an active role in building movement momentum towards change. Journalistic impact is often immediate and focused on tangible outcomes within public discourse and accountability. The Henry Awards are informed by an understanding of impact that originates in journalism, expands through documentary, but stops at active advocacy or polemical positions.

Please note: the Henry Awards do not prioritize films/series whose primary aim is advocacy or artistic experimentation—unless those are in clear service of civic understanding and factual clarity.

Guided by a mission to honor films that build trust in documentary filmmaking as a public good, the Henry Awards’ editorial standards include the following:  

• Editorial Independence – The filmmakers’ autonomy was protected throughout the filmmaking process, safeguarding against undue influence. 
• Accuracy and Sourcing – The filmmakers practiced rigorous research methods and strove for truthfulness and reliability in the portrayal of individuals and events. Strong candidates in this area showcase: expansive curiosity and depth of inquiry; multiple credible sources; and a commitment to clarity and complexity in addressing systemic issues.
• Fairness – The film/series avoids intentional bias or distortion in presenting its findings and is mindful of diverse perspectives.  
• Transparency – Openness about sources, methods, and any content alterations is shared with the audience to secure their trust. This includes any use of Generative AI. 
• Accountability/Duty of Care – The filmmakers take responsibility for their work’s impact seriously, encouraging reflection on ethical considerations and the potential consequences of storytelling choices for audiences, their production teams, and the people who appear and participate in the film. It entails protecting the well-being, dignity, and safety of individuals featured in the film/series, ensuring informed consent and respectful representation and extends to the accuracy and fairness in portraying complex issues, avoiding harm or exploitation, and minimizing potential risks associated with filming, particularly sensitive or contentious subject matter, or working in locations that are clearly dangerous.
• Accessibility and Clarity – The film/series explains complex issues in ways that are engaging and understandable to non-specialists.

Courage compels or allows an individual to do what they believe is right, despite fear of the consequences. Courage in documentary filmmaking emanates from the director and crew’s staunch commitment to bearing witness to untold stories, often in challenging or hostile environments, and sometimes for long periods of time. It requires a steadfast resilience in the face of obstacles, and a willingness to embrace discomfort and uncertainty. Documentary filmmakers demonstrate courage by navigating political and ethical complexities, and work in collaboration with their subjects to get to the heart of the issue they are examining.   

Participating in a documentary often demands a radical personal transparency that can come with great personal risk but demonstrates a commitment to truth-telling and vulnerability despite potential consequences. It signifies the willingness to expose oneself to physical danger, reputational danger, social stigma, emotional turmoil, censure, censorship, or even exile to share authentic experiences, challenge prevailing narratives, or advocate for marginalized voices. This kind of courage lies in a refusal to remain silent in the face of adversity and a belief that through a radical transparency captured by film, it may catalyze empathy, understanding, and social change.

Excellence in investigative and research methods in documentary filmmaking encompasses expansive curiosity, meticulous inquiry, and ethical integrity throughout the filmmaking process. It involves the thorough examination of sources, verification of information, and the pursuit of multiple perspectives in presenting complex subjects or uncovering hidden truths. Documentaries demonstrating excellence in investigative and research methods should showcase a deep, focused understanding of the subject matter and employ credible sources to support their narrative.

Defining artistic excellence in documentary encompasses a multifaceted approach that considers creativity, innovation, craftsmanship, and emotional resonance. It involves evaluating how the formal components of a film give the work its distinctive shape and character, allowing for unique expressive qualities that enhance the issues being examined in any film. 

Irreducible to technique, form will be considered in aesthetic terms as well as in the root of the filmmaker’s voice, and interdependently with the documentary’s content.