SAG-AFTRA

Spring 2019

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and of course both Hollywood and independent features. In addition, the NFPB and the librarian are constantly trying to increase the diversity of the Registry, not only in the kinds of work represented, but also in regard to race, gender, age and sexual orientation. Consequently, as part of the selection process, the Library of Congress has included a form on its website through which members of the public may directly nominate films to be added to the Registry. The goal is to create the most diverse pool of nominated films possible. This additional nominating process has expanded the list of popular films that are brought to the attention of the librarian and the board. However, up until now, there has been no outreach to a group as large, diverse and professionally connected to film as the SAG-AFTRA membership. In an effort to further increase the richness and diversity of the nominations and, subsequently, the 25 films chosen each year, the NFPB Diversity Committee has requested that SAG-AFTRA educate our members about the Registry and the public nomination process. The thinking is that doing so will greatly increase the numbers of experienced, engaged moving- image professionals who participate in making recommendations. The members of SAG-AFTRA are the most diverse group represented by any membership organization on the planet, as to age, race, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, economic status and every other conceivable metric. And, since many share a professional interest in films and an abiding love for the moving image and wish to see it preserved for future generations, who better to advise the NFPB and the librarian on the films that should be included? By law, the stated requirements for addition to the Registry is that the work be "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant." Notice it can meet one, two or all three of those criteria. A film must also be at least 10 years old to be eligible. Please visit sagaftra.org/registry to learn how you can nominate a film, see the films on the registry and browse a list of notable films that haven't yet been added. F ormer Screen Actors Guild President Richard Masur and SAG-AFTRA historian Valerie Yaros represent SAG-AFTRA on the National Film Preservation Board. Masur served from 2002- 2005 and 2010 – present, and Yaros continuously since 2005. In 2018, on the 20th anniversary of the film Smoke Signals — the first feature film to be written, directed, produced and acted in by indigenous people to have a major distribution deal — it was chosen by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden for inclusion on the 2018 Registry. It was the result of an effort spearheaded by Yaros and supported by Masur to convince the board of the film's importance and worthiness for inclusion. Smoke Signals is an award- winning comedy-drama directed by Chris Eyre, a Native American, that co-stars Canadian First Nations actors Adam Beach and Evan Adams. Receiving high praise from film critics when it was released, the film has stood the test of time and continues to be screened in schools and universities. SAG-AFTRA's Voice on the Registry Smoke Signals (1998) added 2018 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) added 1993 MIRAMAX FILMS/JILL SABELLA Norma Rae (1979) added 2011 Star Wars (1977) added 1989 20TH CENTURY-FOX FILM CORPORATION 20TH CENTURY-FOX FILM CORPORATION FANTASY FILMS/UNITED ARTISTS sagaftra.org | Spring 2019 | SAG-AFTRA 59

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