National Film Preservation Board

National Film Preservation Board. It is a federal agency established by the United States Congress through the National Film Preservation Act of 1988. Operating under the auspices of the Library of Congress, the board's primary function is to advise the Librarian of Congress on the annual selection of culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant films for inclusion in the National Film Registry. Its creation was a direct response to growing concerns within the film community about the deterioration of nitrate film and the loss of America's cinematic heritage.

History and establishment

The board was created by the National Film Preservation Act of 1988, legislation championed by figures like Senator Howard Metzenbaum and supported by prominent organizations including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Directors Guild of America. This action followed heightened awareness in the 1970s and 1980s, spurred by events like the 1978 American Film Institute symposium and the influential report "The Film Preservation Report," which detailed the fragile state of American film archives. The initial legislation was a compromise, born from debates between film preservation advocates and the Motion Picture Association of America, which sought to protect copyright interests. The board's founding was part of a broader cultural preservation movement that also included efforts to save historic recordings through the National Recording Preservation Board.

Mission and responsibilities

The core mission is to ensure the survival, conservation, and increased public availability of America's film heritage. Its statutory responsibilities include advising the Librarian of Congress on the development and implementation of the National Film Registry. The board also works to coordinate and promote film preservation activities across the nation, providing guidance to archives like the UCLA Film & Television Archive and the Museum of Modern Art Department of Film. Furthermore, it authorizes grants for preservation projects and fosters educational initiatives to raise public awareness about the importance of saving motion pictures, from early silent films to contemporary works.

Selection process and criteria

Each year, the board solicits and reviews public nominations for the National Film Registry, receiving thousands of suggestions from film scholars, critics, and the general public. The board members, appointed by the Librarian of Congress, then debate and compile a list of recommended titles. The final selection is made by the Librarian of Congress, who is not bound by the board's list but heavily relies on its counsel. The central criterion for selection is that a film must be "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." This broad mandate has led to the inclusion of a diverse array of works, from Hollywood classics like Citizen Kane and Star Wars to avant-garde cinema, documentaries, home movies, and significant works of television such as the September 11 attacks broadcasts.

National Film Registry

The National Film Registry is the official list of films deemed worthy of preservation, a direct outcome of the board's work. Induction into the registry does not imply ownership by the Library of Congress but signifies a film's recognized importance to American culture. The registry includes iconic films from every era, such as The Wizard of Oz, Psycho, and Do the Right Thing, as well as lesser-known works like Meshes of the Afternoon and The Lunch Date. A key provision is that the selection honors the film's historical integrity; films are chosen as originally released, with subsequent altered versions, like the Star Wars special editions, noted separately. The registry serves as a public guide and a catalyst for preservation efforts by studios and archives.

Impact and significance

The board's work has had a profound impact on film preservation culture in the United States. Its establishment legitimized film preservation as a national priority, leading to increased funding and collaboration among institutions like the George Eastman Museum and the Smithsonian Institution. By highlighting endangered films, the board has spurred preservation efforts for titles such as The Crowd and Within Our Gates. Furthermore, the annual announcement of registry titles generates significant media attention and public discourse, educating audiences about film history beyond the Academy Awards canon. The board's model has influenced international preservation efforts and underscored film's role as a vital record of the 20th century, comparable to other preserved media in the National Archives and Records Administration.

Category:1988 establishments in the United States Category:Library of Congress Category:Film preservation Category:National Film Registry Category:Cultural heritage organizations in the United States