2 Latino Films Make National Film Registry This Year

More than 2,200 films were nominated this year for induction into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. Two of those films starred or were directed by Latinos. Robert Rodriguez’s “El Mariachi” and  the classic inspirational film “Stand and Deliver” were among the 25 films selected for the National Film Registry this year.

Let me tell you why this is a big deal: there are just not that many Latino–oriented, or Latino–starring films on this list, which has been going since 1989. Here are a few more that I found, although several of them are stretching it, and simply just deal with Latinos, not necessarily revolve around them.

• El Norte (1983)
• I Am Joaquin (1969)
• Revenge of Pancho Villa, The (1930-36)
• Salt of the Earth (1954)
• Touch of Evil (1958)
• West Side Story

Films selected for this list are chosen because they are, “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant films.” To be eligible for nomination, the movies must be at least 10 years old, but they don’t have to be a feature-length movie or have been released into theaters. Check out the list, and you’ll see that there really aren’t that many Latino, Native American, or African-American films on it.

Which goes back to my original point, this is a big deal.

To nominate a film for 2012, click here. Thanks to Beto for the tip!