From Selena and Real Women Have Curves to Stand and Deliver, Latinos have been a part of some of Hollywood’s greatest cinematic moments.
In partnership with the National Film Registry board, Representative Joaquin Castro and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are calling on the public to contribute suggestions of Latino-driven films for their official Congressional nomination to the National Film Registry. The Library of Congress annually chooses 25 films of “cultural, historical or aesthetical significance” to be preserved in the Registry.
“As a representative of the National Film Preservation Board at the Library of Congress, I am elated to join Congressman Castro and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in this effort to get input from Latinos across the nation on what movies have been important to them. We look forward to nominating a robust list of Latino narratives,” said Brenda Victoria Castillo.
Films can be submitted by visiting Castro.House.gov/film. Films must be at least ten years old in order to be considered. Submissions must be received by Thursday, August 3 to be eligible for members’ official nomination to the Library of Congress.
The Librarian of Congress adds films to the National Film Registry after reviewing titles nominated by the public and conferring with members of the National Film Preservation Board and Library film curators. Today, there are 24 Latino films on the National Film Registry — less than three percent of the 850 movies preserved. In prior years, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus led successful efforts to add Selena (1997) and The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982) to the registry. For the full list of films previously nominated by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, click here.
For the full list of films which have already been preserved by the National Film Registry, click here.
