Cinema is one of the most influential arts of our time, capable of preserving the memory of eras, transmitting values, and shaping cultural heritage. In the United States, this mission is largely realized through the National Film Registry. This registry is a symbol of respect for the art of cinema and its role in shaping public consciousness. The National Film Registry serves not only as a tool to protect unique works, but also as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
What is the National Film Registry?
The National Film Registry is a list of American films selected by the U.S. National Film Preservation Board for preservation at the Library of Congress. The Board’s authority, established by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988, was reauthorized by acts of Congress in 1992, 1996, 2005, and 2008.
The list annually includes 25 films that have “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance” and were made at least ten years ago. The list may include full-length and short feature films, documentaries, animated films, and amateur videos. As of 2020, the National Film Registry consisted of 800 films.
Among the 25 film masterpieces included in the 2023 list are Ron Howard’s Apollo 13, the family comedy Home Alone, James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Steve McQueen’s Oscar-winning 12 Years a Slave, and the 1921 educational film A Movie Trip Through Filmland.
The oldest film on the list is The Newark Athlete from 1891. The newest films are 12 Years a Slave and Two Steps from Glory (2013). Over the years, the Library of Congress has included Toy Story, Fargo, The Godfather, Taxi Driver, Jaws, Beauty and the Beast, and Only Girls Can Dance, among others.
Interesting facts
1) Films must be at least 10 years old at the time of nomination, which allows us to assess their long-term impact and significance.
2) The registry includes films of various genres: from classic blockbusters to short experimental works, educational films, music videos, and even home movies.
3) In 1989, when the registry was founded, it included 25 films, including Casablanca, Citizen Kane, and The Birth of a Nation.
4) The public can submit nominations for consideration, allowing a wide range of people to influence the preservation of cinematic heritage.
5) The registry includes many important documentaries, such as Brotherhood of Man (1946), which was noted for its social commentary.
6) The films included in the registry receive priority attention for preservation, including film restoration and digital archiving.
7) In recent years, the registry has been actively adding films that reflect the contributions of women, representatives of various ethnic groups and minorities.
8) Some films in the registry were on the verge of extinction. For example, the film Vain Wonders (1934) was rescued by enthusiasts after a long period of oblivion.
9) Iconic animated films such as The Snow Queen (1937) and Looney Tunes short cartoons also feature prominently on the list.
10) The films included in the register are often examples of technological innovations in cinema, such as the first sound (The Jazz Singer) or color cinematography (The Wizard of Oz).
The US National Film Registry is not only a tool for preserving cinematic works, but also a symbol of respect for art and history. It covers a wide range of films that reflect the culture, technological progress and social changes of different eras.
This register plays a key role in preserving the memory of significant moments in the history of cinema and society. By restoring, archiving and popularizing films, it helps preserve unique cinematic masterpieces for future generations.
Covering not only popular films, but also lesser-known works, the National Film Registry supports the idea of diversity and cultural richness. It serves as an important reminder of the power of cinema as a means of influence, creativity, and preservation of a heritage that is an important part of human history.
copyright / film registry of the United States / intellectual property
