United States National Film Registry

United States National Film Registry

The United States National Film Registry is a program established by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988, which is managed by the Library of Congress. The registry aims to preserve films that are deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Each year, the Librarian of Congress selects 25 films for inclusion in the registry, based on recommendations from the National Film Preservation Board and the public.

Close-up of a vintage film reel.

Close-up of a vintage film reel.

History

The National Film Preservation Act of 1988 was enacted in response to growing concerns about the deterioration of America's film heritage. Prior to the establishment of the registry, many films were lost due to neglect, improper storage, and the inherent instability of nitrate film stock. The act aimed to address these issues by creating a formal mechanism for identifying and preserving important films.

The first list of films was announced in 1989, and it included classics such as "Casablanca" (1942), "Gone with the Wind" (1939), and "Citizen Kane" (1941). Since then, the registry has grown to include over 800 films, spanning a wide range of genres, formats, and time periods.

Selection Criteria

The primary criteria for selection to the National Film Registry are cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Films must be at least ten years old to be eligible for inclusion. The selection process involves input from the National Film Preservation Board, which is composed of film scholars, historians, archivists, and other experts, as well as public nominations.

The board considers a variety of factors when evaluating films, including their impact on society, influence on the film industry, and representation of diverse perspectives and experiences. The goal is to ensure that the registry reflects the rich and varied history of American cinema.

Preservation Efforts

Once a film is selected for the registry, efforts are made to ensure its long-term preservation. This often involves creating new film prints and digital copies, as well as storing the original materials in climate-controlled environments. The Library of Congress works with various film archives, studios, and preservation organizations to carry out these activities.

In addition to preserving the films themselves, the registry also aims to raise public awareness about the importance of film preservation. This includes educational programs, public screenings, and partnerships with organizations such as the American Film Institute and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Notable Inclusions

The National Film Registry includes a wide range of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent and experimental works. Some notable inclusions are:

• "Star Wars" (1977) – A landmark science fiction film directed by George Lucas.
• "The Godfather" (1972) – A seminal crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
• "Schindler's List" (1993) – A historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg.
• "Do the Right Thing" (1989) – A socially conscious film directed by Spike Lee.
• "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) – A controversial silent film directed by D.W. Griffith.

These films are recognized not only for their artistic and technical achievements but also for their impact on American culture and society.

Public Participation

One unique aspect of the National Film Registry is the role of public nominations. Each year, the public is invited to submit suggestions for films to be added to the registry. This democratic approach ensures that a wide range of voices and perspectives are considered in the selection process.

Public participation has led to the inclusion of many films that might otherwise have been overlooked, such as independent films, documentaries, and works by underrepresented filmmakers. This helps to ensure that the registry reflects the full diversity of American cinema.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the successes of the National Film Registry, there are ongoing challenges in the field of film preservation. The sheer volume of films produced each year, combined with the rapid pace of technological change, makes it difficult to keep up with preservation needs. Additionally, funding for preservation efforts is often limited, requiring careful prioritization of resources.

Looking to the future, the registry aims to continue expanding its efforts to include more diverse and underrepresented voices in American cinema. This includes greater focus on films by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers. The registry also aims to leverage new technologies to improve preservation and access, such as digital restoration and online streaming.

See Also

• Library of Congress
• American Film Institute
• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
• Film Preservation
• Nitrate Film
• Digital Restoration