Founded in 1988 by way of the National Film Preservation Act, the National Film Registry acts as a part of the United States National Film Preservation Board (NFPB) in its selection of the major motion pictures to be included for preservation in the Library of Congress.
The National Film Registry embraces the richness and diversity of film as an art form and celebrates the people who create the magic of cinema.”
From classic productions of the 1940s like Casablanca and Citizen Kane, to contemporary masterpieces like Annie Hall and Apocalypse Now, the National Film Registry includes quite the collection of motion pictures reflecting the tastes of all kinds of viewers.
Over the years, the organization has been reauthorized by several subsequent acts of Congress in 1992, 1996, 2005, and 2008, with the 1996 ruling creating the non-profit National Film Preservation Foundation – an affiliate of the NFPB that raises money through the private sector.