Terra Nova Films creates and distributes films focused on aging and elderhood.
The 2026 Terra Nova Films Signature Award (TNFSA) recognizes outstanding creative and original films that do one or more of the following:
- project balanced images of aging and elderhood
- explore the humanity behind older adult caregiving/family dynamics
- recognize the wisdom of elderhood
- highlight intergenerational unity
- champion the overall care, safety, dignity, value, and contributions of older adults
The competition is open to new and professional filmmakers, student filmmakers, and the general public. Referred or recommended films will also be considered.
Entry Fee: $20.00 per film. The non-refundable entry fee is made payable to Terra Nova Films.
Length: Up to 60 minutes long (30 minutes and under is smiled upon.)
Genre(s): Narrative/Fiction, Documentary
Release Year: 2023+
Language(s): English (If film is not in English, clear English subtitles must be embedded in the film.)
Deadlines and Announcements: Film submissions will be accepted until January 15, 2026. Winning films will be announced on or about May 18, 2026 by the judging panel, and the winning filmmakers will be notified by phone or e-mail on or about May 18, 2026. Monies and awards will be sent to winners via Priority Mail (or as agreed upon) as soon as possible thereafter.
Designation of Awards.
- One First Prize winner receives $500, a TNFSA First Prize Certificate, a review of the film on the Movies About Aging and Elderhood website, a Filmmaker’s Page on the Movies About Aging and Elderhood website with a trailer of the film and background/contact info, and an announcement in our newsletters and social media pages.
- One Second Prize winner receives $250, a TNFSA Second Prize Certificate, a review of the film on the Movies About Aging and Elderhood website, a Filmmaker’s Page on the Movies About Aging and Elderhood website with a trailer of the film and background/contact info, and an announcement in our newsletters and social media pages.
- Honorable Mention winners receive an Honorable Mention Certificate, a review of the film on the Movies About Aging and Elderhood website, and a Filmmaker’s Page on the Movies About Aging and Elderhood website with a trailer of the film and background/contact info, and an announcement in our newsletters and social media pages. (The number of Honorable Mention recipients will be determined by the panel of judges.)
Contact us: E-mail any questions or comments directly to Gloria Starling at glorystar@terranova.org. Please address any correspondence related to this film competition, c/o Terra Nova Films, 2026 TNF Signature Award, 9848 S. Winchester Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60643, USA.
Why the Terra Nova Films Signature Award (TNFSA)?
Under the leadership of founder, executive director, and filmmaker, Jim Vanden Bosch, Terra Nova Films began in 1981 with a single film, (Because Somebody Cares), and grew into the nation’s premier distributor and producer of educational films geared exclusively toward aging and elderhood. Many of the films produced by Terra Nova have received awards for their artistic merit and sensitivity, including My Mother, My Father (the emotional issues involved in caring for an aging parent); Elder Abuse: Five Case Studies; A Thousand Tomorrows: Intimacy, Sexuality, and Alzheimer’s; and I’d Rather Be Home (documents the progression of an elder abuse case for over seven years). They are used for training all across the country and abroad.
With a premise that elderhood is as noteworthy as youth, Terra Nova Films has created a lasting body of work that explores and celebrates all facets of life in its later years. The Terra Nova Films Signature Award is designed to inspire future generations of filmmakers to continue to normalize aging as a valued and natural continuum of life.
We look forward to your submissions!
Terra Nova Films