Seven Legendary Films Created By Female Directors Added to National Film Registry
The old saying 'Anything you can do I can do better' has never been more prevalent than within the world of film and television. For decades women have been fighting for their power and voice in Hollywood all while their male counterparts continuously underestimate them because they're not men. Honestly, that's really stupid because there have been may successful women directors who have created tons of classic films. Now seven of those iconic films are getting the respect they deserve.
This is very exciting news because according to Deadline seven beloved films directed by women are being added to the Library of Congress' National Film Registry (NFR). As defined by Wikipedia;
The NFPB (National Film Preservation Board) adds to the NFR up to 25 "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant films" each year, showcasing the range and diversity of American film heritage to increase awareness for its preservation.[6] A film becomes eligible for inclusion ten years after its original release
This is the highest number of women directors to have their films inducted at the same time.
So which films are being added? Some beloved classics as well as some poignant pieces of cinema. But all equally deserving of the honor.
Among those making the cut for 2019 are Kimberly Peirce’s 1999 Oscar winner Boys Don’t Cry; Greta Schiller’s 1984 documentary Before Stonewall; Claudia Weill’s 1978 Girlfriends; Gunvor Nelson’s 1969 avant-garde pic My Name Is Oona; Elaine May’s A New Leaf, which in 1971 made her the first woman to write, direct and star in a major American studio feature;
the 2002 indie Real Women Have Curves, directed by Patricia Cardoso; and Madeline Anderson’s 1970 I Am Somebody, which is considered the first documentary on civil rights directed by a woman of color.
However, these films only make up a small percentage of the overall twenty-five films being inducted. And there are quite a few classics that range from all different types of genres as well including comedies, dramas and a few films many would be surprised to see on this prestigious list.
More recent titles include Martin Scorsese’s The Band documentary The Last Waltz; Sissy Spacek-starrer Coal Miner’s Daughter; Milos Forman’s Amadeus; Prince musical Purple Rain; Kevin Smith’s debut film Clerks (which received this year’s most public votes); Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It; and Oliver Stone’s Platoon.
Veteran director Scorcese, who is also a member of the NFPB, commented on the inductees.
“The National Film Registry is an essential American enterprise that officially recognizes the rich depth and variety, the eloquence and the real greatness of American cinema and the filmmakers who have created it, film by film.”
Here's a list of all the films.
