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Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
It almost seems hard to believe that it was 80 years ago in 1942 that “Casablanca” was first released, and the world fell in love with its tale of courage, sacrifice and redemption. On March 2, 1944 at the 16th Academy Awards, “Casablanca” took home the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director (Michael Curtiz) and …
Posted in: Film Essay, Film/Video, National Film Registry
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Thirty-five years ago this month, the legendary pop artist Andy Warhol passed away at the age of 58. Understand him and his art or not, love his art or not, Warhol nevertheless left a distinct mark on the American culture. Along with works of his hanging in museums all over the world, his work is …
Posted in: Film Essay, National Film Registry
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) sets a theme for February’s Black History Month, and this year, they’ve chosen the impact and importance of Black Health and Wellness. According to their website, “this theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in …
Posted in: Film Essay, Film/Video, Motion Pictures, National Film Registry, National Screening Room
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
As we head into Halloween weekend, there is nothing better than sorting your candy stash and watching classic Halloween movies. Get your popcorn balls and candy apples ready because we are presenting (in no particular order) some of the Library of Congress National Film Registry’s scary and not-so-scary Halloween films. Movies inducted into the National …
Posted in: Film Essay, Film/Video, National Film Registry
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
Today, we honor National Home Movie Day by not only highlighting the importance of home movies as historical and cultural documents, but also as a personal reflection that we are often more alike than different. At least four home amateur films are in the National Film Registry and many more can be viewed in the …
Posted in: Film Essay, Film/Video, Motion Pictures, National Film Registry, Uncategorized
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Frederick Wiseman’s powerful documentary “Hospital,” added to the Library’s National Registry in 1994, is recalled here by film professor Barry Keith Grant. Filmmaker Frederick Wiseman has said that he is interested in how the institutions he films are “cultural spoors” that reflect the larger cultural hues,” and “Hospital,” his fourth documentary, is a perfect example …
Posted in: Film Essay, National Film Registry
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
Today, on the anniversary of his untimely passing (in 1926), author Donna Hill looks back at the legend of Rudolph Valentino and one of his most iconic role, that is “The Son of the Sheik,” which was added to the Library’s National Film Registry in 2003. If Metro’s “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” made …
Posted in: Film Essay, National Film Registry
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
If you get the chance to speak with the legendary Al Bell, take it! You will meet a man full of passion for the artists he works with and the communities he supports. The former co-owner of Stax Records is one of the visionaries behind the “Wattstax” concert and film documentary. Bringing people together …
Posted in: Film Essay, National Film Registry
Posted by: Cary O’Dell
One of the cartoon world’s greatest and most timeless achievements, “Duck Amuck” (as well as “One Froggy Evening” and “What’s Opera, Doc?”) is recalled by Craig Kausen, grandson of the film’s animator Chuck Jones. “Duck” was added to the Library’s National Film Registry in 1999. When people ask what it was like growing up …
Posted in: Film Essay, National Film Registry