How the National Film Registry Came to Be (with Congressman Robert Mrazek)
In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Congressman Robert Mrazek, the man whose legislation led to the creation of the National Film Preservation Board. Without his efforts, the National Film Registry as we know it wouldn’t exist.
Mrazek shares the inside story of how film preservation became a congressional priority, the cultural battles that shaped the legislation, and why preserving America’s cinematic heritage is a matter of national importance. From the first films selected to the political resistance he faced, this conversation is an essential companion to everything we cover on You’re Missing Out.
If you’ve ever wondered how movies like Do the Right Thing, The Godfather, or Meshes of the Afternoon ended up in the National Film Registry, this is where it all started.
Episode Notes:A conversation with Congressman Robert Mrazek, sponsor of the National Film Preservation Act of 1988Mrazek’s legislation created the National Film Preservation Board and the National Film RegistryDiscussion topics include:
The political and cultural climate that made film preservation urgentThe origins and goals of the National Film RegistryEarly champions of the legislation in Congress and the film industryThe ongoing importance of preserving culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant filmsReflections on:
The evolving definition of American cinematic heritageHow preservation efforts safeguard not just movies, but national memoryThis episode offers essential historical context for our entire podcast
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Music by Mike Natale
You're Missing Out: A National Film Registry Podcast
Since 1989, the National Film Registry has selected 25 films each year that are deemed "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant". In each episode, Mike Natale (Yahoo!) and Tom Lorenzo (Men's Journal) bring on a special guest to take a look at one of the films from the registry, to get to the heart of why these films matter.
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