What is the National Film Preservation Act?

Throughout history, efforts have been taken to preserve art and culturally specific elements that represent our heritage. That includes measures taken to protect certain films. Museums represent one means of protecting and procuring artifacts for future examination. But so too do certain laws that are enacted for the protection of historic elements. The National Film Preservation act, established in 1988, represents key legislation. Which relates to the identification, acquisition, storage, and dissemination of culturally, historically or aesthetically significant films.

What is the National Film Preservation Act?

The National Film Preservation Act of 1988 in conjunction with the National Film Preservation Board, works to ensure that America’s film heritage and history are protected and properly conserved for future Americans and others to enjoy.

Specifically, the National Film Preservation Act law specifies the following three important tasks in film preservation:

• That the Library of Congress establish the National Film Registry to register films that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. 
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• That any person who knowingly distributes or exhibits a materially altered film to the public. Such as a black and white film which has been colorized be prohibited. Unless the films are specifically labeled with proper information.
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• That the Librarian of Congress establishes the National Film Preservation Board in the Library of Congress. 

Every Year

Under the laws and rules of the National Film Preservation Act, each year the National Film Preservation Board chooses 25 films. To showcase the range and diversity of film heritage from America in that year.

These films, along with others from prior years and those that will be chosen in future years makeup the film registry. 

The National Film Preservation Act of 2005

In addition to steps taken in 1988 and subsequent years. The National Film Preservation Act of 2005 goes on to further provide additional key features to the law.

Under this act, the Librarian is to make an annual selection of films that are added to the National Registry and the national film preservation planning policy is established.

Together, the legislation that is defined for the Film Preservation Act appropriates funds for the maintenance and conservation of moving image heritage in the United States including a focus on film, television, videotape, and digital moving image formats.

Additional Resources 

In addition to the film registry, the National Film Preservation Act also in conjunction with the National Film Preservation Board provides various resources to support the world of film education, film preservation, and film careers.

And finally, to learn more about the National Film Preservation Board and the National Film Preservation Foundation, visit the website.