Joaquin Castro advocates for Blood In, Blood Out in National Film Registry

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro from Texas has been advocating for the inclusion of Latino-driven films in the National Film Registry, emphasizing the importance of representation in Hollywood. For the third consecutive year, he has submitted a list of recommendations, including the films 'Blood In Blood Out' and 'American Me,' to the National Film Preservation Board for consideration in 2024. Castro believes these films reflect significant cultural narratives that deserve recognition and preservation. The National Film Registry aims to conserve selected films to enhance public awareness and accessibility for educational purposes. Despite the board's annual addition of 25 titles, Castro argues that this number is insufficient given the artistic contributions of Latino filmmakers and actors. Reports indicate that Latinos are among the largest consumers of media, yet they remain underrepresented in the industry, with only 3.5% of film leads and 3.7% of directors being of Latin descent from 2007 to 2022. Felix Sanchez, co-founder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, supports Castro's initiative, stating that adding these films will help families discover culturally significant stories. He also noted the success of films like 'Blue Beetle,' which showcases the potential for more Latino narratives in Hollywood. The growing number of nominations is expected to reflect the increasing recognition of Latino contributions to cinema. The official announcement of the films added to the registry will occur in December, while public nominations for the 2025 list are currently open until August 15. Castro's efforts highlight the ongoing struggle for representation and the need for greater acknowledgment of Latino voices in the film industry.