The National Film Registry of (he Library of Congress Welcomes lis Newest Class.

• Author: Zongker, Brett
• Position: REEL WORLD

"The selections represent one of the most diverse classes of films to enter the Registry, with cinematic efforts dating back nearly 120 years and representing the work of Hollywood studios, independent filmmakers, documentarians, women directors, filmmakers of color, students, and the silent era of film." Don't Miss These 25 Eye-Opeiiers

"Chlcana" (1979). Producer/director Sylvia Morales created "Chi-cana"--a 22-minute collage of artworks, stills, documentary footage, narration and testimonies--to provide a counterpart to earlier film accounts of Mexican and Mexican-American history that all but erased women's lives from their narratives. Centering on successive struggles by women from the pre-Columbian era to the present to combat exploitation, break out of cultural stereotypes, and organize for national independence, women's education, and the rights of workers, "Chicana" resurrects an arresting array of proto-feminist icons to inspire Chicanas with role models from their cultural past.

In 1977, Morales, an artist and cinematographer who had worked at KABC in Los Angeles and was enrolled in UCLA's film school, became enthralled with a slide show created by Chicano Studies teacher Anna Nieto-Gomez that included a history of Mexican women of which Morales was unaware. With Nieto-Gomez's support, Morales conducted additional research with Cynthia Honesto, hired composer Carmen Moreno to score the film and renowned actress Carmen Zapata to narrate it, shot documentary footage, and recorded interviews with Chicana activists Dolores Huerta, Alicia Escalante, and Francisca Flores to incorporate as voice-overs.

Acknowledged as a brilliant and pioneering feminist Latina critique, "Chicana" has served as a stepping stone for Morales' distinguished career as a writer and director of acclaimed cable and public television documentary and fiction productions.

"Cooley High" (1975). National Public Radio has called "Cooley High" a "classic of black cinema" and "a touchstone for filmmakers like John Singleton and Spike Lee." Set in Chicago's Cabrini Green housing project, "Cooley" is--at least at its start--a coming-of-age comedy about African-American friends making the most of their halcyon high school days, but they soon find their lives and futures threatened when a small scuffle

been deemed worthy of preservation. The National Film Registry will preserve our cinematic heritage, and we are proud to add 25 more films," says Hayden. "The Library of Congress will work with our partners in the film community to ensure these films are preserved for generations to come."

Two films selected for the Registry drew significant public support through online nominations: the original "Star Wars" trilogy's third release from "a galaxy far, far away"--1983's "Return of the Jedi," aka "Star Wars: Episode VI--Return of the Jedi," and the kickoff to another epic trilogy of films, 2001 's "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," based on the beloved stories of J RR. Tolkien.

"In 1951, Prof. Tolkien expressed the wish that 'other minds and hands, wielding paint and music and drama' might one day come to the world of Middle-Earth, and they did--actors and artists, composers and musicians, linguists, and digital wizards--a myriad of talent came together to bring his vast work of imagination to life on the screen," notes the filmmaking team of Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens. "It is a great honor to have "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' selected...by the National Film Registry. We are proud to be part of an archive that celebrates and preserves the art of visual storytelling for generations to come."

Two innovative animated features from different eras also join the Registry. Disney's "Flowers and Trees," which was released in the dark days of the Great Depression in 1932, showcases the magic of cinema with birds singing and trees in full color. It was the first three-strip Technicolor film shown to the public and set a new standard.

Some 76 years later, Pixar Animation Studios would release a unique masterpiece with 2008's "WALL'E," combining animation, science fiction, an ecological cautionary tale, and a charming robot love story. The film would go on to win the Academy Award for Outstanding Animated Feature.

Several films explore stories from the nation's diverse communities that often carry universal themes. "Selena," the 1997 biographical film of Tejana star Selena Quintanilla-Perez, stars Jennifer Lopez, in her first major movie role, and Edward James Olmos. Directed by Gregory Nava, it tells the story of the young singer's rise to fame in her family band and her tragic death, at age 23, when she was gunned down by the head of her fan club after a dispute. Selena's life, music, and the film became touchstones in Latin American culture, and her infectious appeal crossed over to audiences of all kinds.

Olmos, who played Abraham, the father and manager of the band, says the movie stands out as a universal family story that happens to be about Mexican-Americans along the Texas-Mexico border. "It will stand the test of time. [It is] a masterpiece because it allows people to learn about themselves by watching other peoples' culture."

In the 1970s, Michael Schultz was a young director when he was brought on to direct "Cooley High," a touching 1975 comedy about a group of black friends enjoying their last year of high school in the Cabrini Green neighborhood in Chicago. Affectionate, rowdy, and innocent about teenage life, it stood in contrast to the blaxploitation movies of the era. "Cooley" joins the Registry as well.

Despite a tight budget and shooting schedule, the movie caught on with audiences and remains a time-capsule portrait of teenagers coming of age in a difficult place. It has been called a classic of black cinema. Schultz indicates he never doubted the film's potential. "The one thing I knew about 'Cooley High' was that it was unique--[and] it was exciting; it would open up people to a new world."

California-based director Sylvia Morales was incredulous when she got the call that her 1979 documentary, "Chicana," was included on this year's Registry class. "Initially, I didn't believe it," she admits.

"Chicana" is a 22-minute collage of artworks, still photographs, and documentary footage about the struggles of Chicana women over the long course of history and the work they have put in to gain basic rights and wages. That film and her subsequent career grew out of Morales' youthful desire to see people like her on the silver screen.

"I loved the movies, and so I decided early on, when I was a teenager, that I was going to make some movies and put some Mexicans in it. I think it's the struggle that's important, and that's what 'Chicana' is. It's the struggle to be whoever you are."

Three films included on the list directly addressed one of the most pressing issues of the day: racially-motivated violence against peo pie of color. "Requiem-29" (1970), "The Murder of Fred Hampton" (1971), and "Who Killed Vincent Chin?" (1987) tell stories of violence against Hispanic, black, and Asian Americans, respectively. These films are particularly important to preserve, indicates film historian and Turner Classic Movies host Jacqueline Stewart, who...