Congressman Joaquin Castro and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus have launched a nationwide call. They are asking the public for their suggestions on the next round of nominations to the National Film Registry (NFR).
Founded in 1988, the NFR is the nation’s preeminent archive of films preserved at the U.S. Library of Congress for their “cultural, historic, or aesthetic significance to life in the United States.” Each year, the registry receives up to 25 film additions.
In 2021, Castro and the Hispanic Caucus started a year-long campaign to add the 1997 biopic Selena to the registry. It was nominated in January 2021 and added in December 2021. They also nominated an additional Now, Castro is looking for suggestions for the next batch of Latine films he and the Hispanic Caucus should select.
“Since the earliest days of cinema, Latino actors, writers, directors, and creatives have made extraordinary contributions to American filmmaking,” Castro said in a statement. “As the Library of Congress works to preserve the films that shaped American culture, public nominations will spotlight the Latino-driven films that have sold out theaters and defined generations. As we launch this year’s push for inclusion, I look forward to hearing from folks across America about the Latino films that have made an enduring impact on their lives.”
Currently, there are 24 Latino films on the NFR – less than three percent of the 850 movies preserved. Aside from Selena, other Latine films preserved in the NFR include Stand and Deliver, La Bamba, El Norte, and Zoot Suit.
Films can be submitted by visiting Castro.House.gov/film. Movies must be at least ten years old to be eligible for nomination. Those interested must submit entries by August 3, 2023.