Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Trio of Popular Films to Be Preserved in National Film Registry

Three widely loved films have been selected to be preserved in the National Film Registry, with Forrest Gump, Bambi and The Kid being chosen. The Library of Congress made the announcement today, adding the heavily-award and much-loved Forrest Gump as one of the films to be added among the 25 that will go in this year. Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act, the Librarian of Congress chooses 25 films each year that are "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant. For 2011, a total of 2,228 films were nominated.

Noted James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress, "These films are selected because of their enduring significance to American culture. Our film heritage must be protected because these cinematic treasures document our history and culture and reflect our hopes and dreams." For each of the selected films, the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation works to make sure that the films are preserved for the future. This occurs by working with other archives, studios and independent filmmakers.

Forrest Gump, which is the story of a man of below average intelligence who nevertheless leads an astoundingly successful life, was the newest film to be added this year. The movie won six Academy Awards, including the coveted "Best Picture" award, and starred Tom Hanks and Sally Field, among others. The 1942 animated classic "Bambi" also made the cut, as did the Charlie Chaplin film "The Kid," a silent film from 1921. A handful of notable documentaries also made the cut for 2011.

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