FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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.

The program is administered by the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

In its first year, the Henry Awards will only consider feature-length documentary films (40 minutes or more) by nomination only.  

To be nominated, a film must demonstrate the qualities of the Henry Awards core values and be in circulation (to public or targeted audiences through festivals or other distribution methods, including self-distribution and not limited to theatrical) for at least one calendar year but not more than two (starting circulation no earlier than August 2022 and no later than August 2023). Films can come from any country of origin.  Student films are not eligible.   

Each film will be evaluated by a screening committee and, if selected as a semi-finalist, by a jury. All projects will be assessed without any outside influence or lobbying by distributors, production companies, publicists, or sponsors. More information here.

This first year, the Henry Awards program will only evaluate films nominated by the Nominations Committee.

There is no cost to submit. However, films will only be considered by nomination only.

Membership to the Nominations Committee is through invitation only.

The Henry Awards grand prize winner and finalists will be announced in Spring 2025.

Please contact the Documentary Film Initiative at the Shorenstein Center: [email protected].