Napoli's 2013 National Film Registry Submissions Part II

Written by Michael Napoli

Earlier this week, I posted my the first half of 50 films that I sent to the library of Congress that I would like to see preserved. Now, may I present the other 25 that I asked for recognition.

Napoli's 2013 National Film Registry Submissions

Written by Michael Napoli

Can you believe it? 2013 is coming to a close. After a long year, it's that time where we see countless “top ten” lists of the very best films. Critics and guilds will bestow their honors among the very best performances and technical triumphs. As much we like to root for our favorites to receive such honors, many a times there is always a chance of being snubbed, a term that the marketing department at any studio dreads to hear.

Now I will reveal my top ten list soon, but I want to focus my attention on another “top list” that I personally look forward to. It's a list that most film lovers tend to neglect. In fact, this is a list that has begun since 1989 and has continued to grow. I might even go as far to say it has become a library. I am talking about the National Film Registry.

Every year the United States National Film Preservation Board, established in 1988, names up to 25 “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant films” for preservation. The films range in a wide variety of categories such as narrative feature, animated (short/narrative), experimental, documentary, etc. As of 2012, the registry holds 600 titles including greats like Citizen Kane, Star Wars, Toy Story, and 2001: A Space Odyssey along with unknown titles that worth checking out.

Unlike many of the critic's groups and guild awards, the Registry enforces the public to nominate 50 titles for consideration. The only eligibility is that the film be ten years old. I submitted my ballot back in March and with the 2013 entries to be announced within the next few weeks, I decided to share the 50 films I put on my ballot.