New on the National Film Registry Librarian of Congress Adds 25 Films

摘要

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington announced in December 2002 his annual selection of 25 motion pictures to be added to the National Film Registry (see sidebar). This group of titles brings the total number of films placed on the registry since 1989 to 350. Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act of 1988, each year the Librarian names 25 "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant" motion pictures to the registry. The list is designed to reflect the full breadth and diversity of America's film heritage, thus increasing public awareness of the richness of American cinema and the need for its preservation. As Billington said in making the announcement: "Our film heritage is America's living past. It celebrates the creativity and inventiveness of diverse communities and our nation as a whole. By preserving American films, we safeguard a significant element of our cultural history.