This week excited filmmakers began posting letters received from Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, on social media, informing them that their film has been submitted to the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress as part of the ongoing effort to increase Latino representation in the film industry.

In all, 25 U.S. produced Latino films were nominated by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus as part of the ongoing effort to increase Latino representation in the film industry. Congressman Castro had previously nominated Selena for the National Film Registry during his term as CHC chair, and the additional 25 films constitute more than enough Latino films to make up the entirety of this year’s selection for the registry.

Since 1988, the National Film Registry has selected 25 films annually for preservation at the Library of Congress.

“As we are again seeing in this year’s awards season, Latinos remain dramatically under-represented in the American film industry – an exclusion perpetuates real and significant harms to Latino communities across the United States,” said Congressman Castro. “The Library of Congress’ National Film Registry can help rectify that exclusion by shining a light on Latino cinematic achievements as an important part of our nation’s cultural heritage. And while we celebrate these great Latino films, Hollywood must ensure that new generations of Latino filmmakers will have the opportunity to tell their stories on screen.”

This push comes during awards season when once again it’s looking to be a slim year for Latino on and off-camera talent, to receive award nominations. The Golden Globe awards, which just aired this past Sunday, had just two on-camera talent nominations, one for Lin-Manuel Miranda (for Best Actor in a Musical) and British/Argentinean actress Anya Taylor-Joy who was nominated for two Golden Globe for best actress, one for feature Emma and the other, which she did win, was for The Queens Gambit. The only other nominee was Jayro Bustamante‘s La Llorona, nominated for best foreign film. It did not win. The Oscar nominations have still to be announced, but it is not looking like it will be any different than the Golden Globes.

“Though Latinos comprise almost 20 percent of our country’s population, they remain severely underrepresented in Hollywood,” said Chairman Ruiz. “It is essential that the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry reflect the true diversity of American culture. Including more Latino films in the National Film Registry will help elevate Latino stories, promote an inclusive media landscape, and empower Latino filmmakers and storytellers.”

The additional 25 Latino focused films nominated for the National Film Registry are: 

  • My Family (1995) 
  • Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982) 
  • Under the Same Moon (2007) 
  • Lo que le pasó a Santiago (1989) 
  • Don’t Let Me Drown (2009) 
  • The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) 
  • Raising Victor Vargas (2002) 
  • Frida (2002) 
  • Walkout (2006)
  • A Better Life (2011) 
  • Gun Hill Road (2011) 
  • Spy Kids (2001) 
  • American Me (1992) 
  • Romero (1989) 
  • Hermanas (2005) 
  • Blood In, Blood Out (1993) 
  • Nothing Like the Holidays (2008) 
  • Latino (1985) 
  • The Lost City (2005) 
  • Down for Life (2009) 
  • Tortilla Soup (2001) 
  • The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) 
  • 12 Horas (2001) 
  • Viva Cuba (2005) 
  • Maria Full of Grace (2004) 

To read the full letter to the Library of Congress please see here. 

— Latin Heat News Service