The United States Navy Memorial in partnership

with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project presents

THE NATIONAL SEA SERVICE FILM FESTIVAL

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States Navy and 

25 Years of the Veterans History Project 

Announced on August 1, 2025

The objective of this project is to honor, recognize, and celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services, past, present, and future; and inform the public about their service. To participate, select any Bronze Relief, or Commemorative Plaque, or Navy Log entry found at the Navy Memorial or interview in the Navy Memorial Interview Archive or interview in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project Archive and create an informative documentary. Remember to include, why the topic you selected should be honored, recognized, and celebrated. 

To participate in this film festival, students, grades 5 to 12 are invited to: Select 1 or more of the following, a Bronze Relief (https://www.navymemorial.org/memorial-plaza), a Commemorative Plaque (https://navylog.navymemorial.org/plaque-wall), a Navy Log entry (https://navylog.navymemorial.org/search-navy-log) or 1 or more oral history interview(s) from (https://www.youtube.com/navymemorial) & (https://www.loc.gov/collections/veterans-history-project-collection/about-this-collection/) to develop a short, informative, narrated, and directed documentary. *You may utilize an oral history you recorded and plan to submit to the Veterans History Project and Navy Memorial. To be a part of history and participate in this project, Contact education@navymemorial.org for a National Film Festival Application.

Task: Develop a short, informative, narrated, documentary. 

This project has 2 different categories. They include: 

  • Documentary category a video of 10 minutes or less OR Short category, a video of 1 minute or less 

Who can participate: From August 1 to October 20th, 2025: Any student from grades 5 to 12. Contact education@navymemorial.org for a National Film Festival Application.

Requirements 

  • Includes an interview or multiple interviews from the Navy Memorial Interview Archive  

  • Introduction to the topic, Background of the topic 

  • The significance of the topic and its importance to American History is identified and expanded upon 

  • Composed narration 

  • Must include 5 or more primary and or secondary sources. (these may include pictures, interviews from the archive, journal entries, archival footage of the topic, etc.) 

  • Work cited using MLA format at the conclusion of the assignment indicating and accounting for all sources utilized. This includes but is not limited to, archival footage, pictures, background music, etc. 

 

Documentaries may include but are not required: 

  • Background music 

  • Primary source information, media clips, pictures, speeches, etc. 

  • Archival footage of the event 

 

Additional information:  

  • Participants may participate as individuals or groups

  • Contact education@navymemorial.org for a National Film Festival Application 

Timeline and awards:  

  • A Certificate of recognition will be presented to each participant.  

  • Library of Congress Veterans History Project and Navy Memorial Personnel will evaluate each entry and determine the winner based on the criteria above. 

  • On October 24th 2025, the first, National Sea Service Film Festival will be held for those who participated. In attendance will be Veterans who were honored by the work of student participants and distinguished guests. The event will be held at the Library of Congress, Coolidge Auditorium. The event is invitation only for those listed above to participate in person. The event will be broadcast virtually for those interested to connect online. Contact education@navymemorial.org for more information.

To be a part of history and participate in this project, Contact education@navymemorial.org for a National Film Festival Application.