National Film Registry facts for kids

The National Film Registry (NFR) is a special list of movies in the United States. These films are chosen because they are very important to American history and culture. They are like treasures that need to be kept safe for future generations. The NFR helps make sure these movies are preserved so everyone can enjoy them for many years.

What is the National Film Registry?

The National Film Registry is a program that selects films to be preserved. It was created in 1988 by the United States Congress. This means the government decided it was important to protect America's film heritage. Each year, 25 new films are added to this special list.

Why are films chosen for the NFR?

Films are chosen for the National Film Registry because they are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." This means they are important for different reasons:

• Culturally significant: These films show us about American life, traditions, or ideas. They might reflect how people lived or thought at a certain time.
• Historically significant: These films might tell us about important events or people in history. They could also be important because of how they were made or how they changed filmmaking.
• Aesthetically significant: These films are considered beautiful or artistic. They might have amazing acting, directing, or special effects that were groundbreaking for their time.

Who chooses the films?

The films are chosen by the National Film Preservation Board (NFPB). This board is made up of film experts, historians, and people from the film industry. They work with the Librarian of Congress, who makes the final decision. The public can also suggest films they think should be added to the registry.

How are films chosen?

Each year, thousands of films are suggested by the public. The National Film Preservation Board then reviews these suggestions. They also consider films that experts believe are important. After careful thought, they recommend a list of 25 films to the Librarian of Congress. The Librarian then announces the new selections, usually in December.

Protecting America's film history

The main goal of the National Film Registry is to protect American cinema. Many old films can get damaged or lost over time. This is because the materials they were made on can break down. By adding a film to the NFR, it means the Library of Congress will work to preserve it. They make sure copies are kept safe and can be accessed for research and viewing. This helps keep the stories, art, and history of American movies alive.

See also

In Spanish: National Film Registry para niños