National Film Preservation Act

The National Film Preservation Act was signed into law on September 27, 1988, responding to concerns about the deterioration and loss of American film heritage. It directed the Librarian of Congress to establish the National Film Registry, selecting up to 25 films each year that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."² The law also created the National Film Preservation Board, composed of representatives from film industry organizations, archives, and scholars, to advise on selections and preservation priorities.³ The act was reauthorized and expanded in 1992 and 1996, adding provisions for the National Film Preservation Foundation and a study of film preservation needs.

Films are chosen for the registry based on their enduring significance to American culture, not on popularity or box office success. The Librarian of Congress makes final selections after considering public nominations and the board's recommendations.² To be eligible, a film must be at least ten years old and be "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."³ The registry includes feature films, documentaries, short films, home movies, and experimental works, reflecting the diversity of American filmmaking.⁴ Notable early additions included Citizen Kane, The Wizard of Oz, and Star Wars.¹

The act spurred a national conversation about film preservation and led to the creation of the National Film Preservation Foundation in 1996, a public-private partnership that provides grants for preservation work. It also mandated a comprehensive study of the state of American film preservation, which was published in 1993 as Film Preservation 1993: A Study of the Current State of American Film Preservation.⁵ The registry itself does not fund preservation directly, but it raises awareness and helps prioritize efforts by archives and studios.⁴ As of 2024, over 850 films have been named to the registry.¹

Beyond the well-known titles, the registry includes many obscure but significant works, such as the 1895 short Annabelle Serpentine Dance and the 1972 experimental film Wavelength.⁴ The act also led to the creation of the National Film Registry's companion website, which offers free streaming of selected films.¹ A little-known provision of the 1992 reauthorization required the Librarian of Congress to establish a program to "coordinate activities" among archives and to "ensure that preservation activities are conducted in a coordinated and efficient manner." The act has been praised for its inclusive approach, including films by women and minority filmmakers, such as Killer of Sheep (1977) and The Learning Tree (1969).⁴

National Film Registry

A list of films selected for preservation by the Library of Congress.

National Film Preservation Board

An advisory body that recommends films for the registry.

National Film Preservation Foundation

A nonprofit organization that provides grants for film preservation.