U.S. Congressman Joaquín Castro of the State of Texas and Congressman Raul Ruiz of the State of California and Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), have nominated 25 Latinx films to be considered part of the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress. In a letter addressed to Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, the Latinx congressmen include their nominations “as part of the ongoing effort to increase Latino representation in the film industry.”
Each year, since 1988, the National Film Registry, selects 25 films for preservation at the Library of Congress. 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.”
“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.”
“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 complete list of 25 nominated films are:
My Family (1995) by Gregory Nava. The generational epic of one Mexican-American family through the 20th century.
Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982) by Robert Young. A Western telling the true story of a Mexican farmer turned outlaw hero in turn-of-the-century South Texas.
Under the Same Moon (2007) by Patricia Riggen. A Mexican boy’s journey across the border to reunite with his mother in Los Angeles.
Lo que le pasó a Santiago (1989) by Jacobo Morales. A widower in Puerto Rico begins a new relationship with a mysterious woman.
Don’t Let Me Drown (2009) by Cruz Angeles. The love story of two Latino teenagers in New York amidst the aftermath of 9/11.
The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) by Robert Redford. The story of a small New Mexico town’s confrontation with powerful business interests.
Raising Victor Vargas (2002) by Peter Sollett. A Dominican-American teenager in New York coming to terms with his family and romantic relationships.
Frida (2002) by Julie Taymor. A biopic following the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
Walkout (2006) by Edward James Olmos. The true story of the 1968 Chicano High School Walkouts.
A Better Life (2011) by Christopher Weitz. An undocumented Mexican worker in Los Angeles searches for his stolen truck alongside his son.
Gun Hill Road (2011) by Rashaad Ernesto Green. A father recently released from jail comes to terms with his Trans daughter's coming out.
Spy Kids (2001) by Robert Rodriguez. Two children discover their parents are superhero spies and join them.
American Me (1992) by Edward James Olmos. The story of a Mexican-American man’s experience with prison and discrimination.
Romero (1989) by John Duigan. A biopic following Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero during the Salvadoran Civil War, leading up to his assassination in 1980.
Hermanas (2005) by Julia Solomonoff. Two Argentine Sisters reunite in Texas and relive traumatic family memories of the military dictatorship they fled.
Blood In, Blood Out (1993) by Taylor Hackford. The tragedy of 3 Chicano cousins who are divided by their divergent life choices amidst gang conflict in East Los Angeles.
Nothing Like the Holidays (2008) by Alfredo De Villa. A Puerto Rican extended family gets together for the holidays.
Latino (1985) by Haskell Wexler. A Mexican-American Green Beret sent to train Contras in Nicaragua questions his mission.
The Lost City (2005) by Andy Garcia. A family is divided by the Cuban Revolution, leading one brother to join the revolution, the other to flee to America.
Down for Life (2009) by Alan Jacobs. Follows one day in the life of a Latina high school student as she struggles to make it to college.
Tortilla Soup (2001) by María Ripoll. The story of 3 adult sisters and their father, a retired chef, who insists they all gather every Sunday for dinner.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) by Walter Salles. A road movie following Ernesto Guevara's formative motorcycle journey across South America in the early 1950s. 3
12 Horas (2001) by Raúl Marchand Sánchez. 12 hours in the life of a taxi driver and other characters in Santurce, Puerto Rico amidst the reality of the night life.
Viva Cuba (2005) by Juan Carlos Cremata. Two Cuban friends run from home when they discover they will be separated by one of their family’s emigration to America.
Maria Full of Grace (2004) by Joshua Marston. A pregnant woman from Colombia lands in New York and becomes an undocumented immigrant.
