Last week, the Library of Congress’ National Film Preservation Board announced the latest 25 films to be added to National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. ”
More significantly, once a title is added to the registry, the Library makes every effort to preserve the film for future generations to enjoy. The full list of films run the gambit from full, feature length films, short subjects, documentary and experimental works.
When I was younger, I was obsessed with this list; year after year I would go about composing my list and submitting it to the Library for consideration. I also used this list as a checklist for films that I must see.
It has been several years since I have done that but it is still pretty cool to see what the selections that are made from year to year.
The Class of 2011 is as follows:
- Allures (1961)
- Bambi (1942)
- The Big Heat (1953)
- A Computer Animated Hand (1972)
- Crisis: Behind A Presidential Commitment (1963)
- The Cry of the Children (1912)
- A Cure for Pokeritis (1912)
- El Mariachi (1992)
- Faces (1968)
- Fake Fruit Factory (1986)
- Forrest Gump (1994)
- Growing Up Female (1971)
- Hester Street (1975)
- I, an Actress (1977)
- The Iron Horse (1924)
- The Kid (1921)
- The Lost Weekend (1945)
- The Negro Soldier (1944)
- Nicholas Brothers Family Home Movies (1930s-40s)
- Norma Rae (1979)
- Porgy and Bess (1959)
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- Stand and Deliver (1988)
- Twentieth Century (1934)
- War of the Worlds (1953)
Click here to view the complete list (from 1989-Present).
If you get a moment, take a look at the list. After looking checking it out, ask yourself: What films would you like to see on the list? your voice can be heard – nominations are open to the public. If you are passionate enough about a film not on the list, you can nominate your film by going to this site.
But before you go and try to nominate The Dark Knight, know that you can’t, well not at least for 2019 – the nominated film has to be at least 10 years old.