Five Latino Led Films Among the 2024 Inductees of the National Film Registry

In a landmark achievement for Latino representation in American cinema, the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress has inducted five Latino-led films into its prestigious collection for 2024.

This year's selections include "Mi Familia" (1995), "American Me" (1992), "Up in Smoke" (1978), "Spy Kids" (2001), and "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" (1982), featuring the iconic Latino actor Ricardo Montalbán.

Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a steadfast advocate for Latino representation in media and entertainment, played a pivotal role in this achievement. As the former chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Castro has been instrumental in nominating films that highlight the rich tapestry of Latino experiences in the United States.

"Together, these films represent a unique cross-section of Latino contributions to American cinema and showcase the talent Latinos bring to the screen," Castro said.

His successful nominations this year include "Mi Familia," "American Me," "Up in Smoke," and "Spy Kids."

The new Latino movies in the National Film Registry

"Mi Familia" (1995), directed by Gregory Nava, chronicles the journey of a Mexican American family over several generations, capturing the challenges and triumphs they face in Los Angeles. The film is lauded for its authentic portrayal of immigrants lives and the complexities of cultural assimilation.

"American Me" (1992), directed by and starring , offers a gritty depiction of gang life in East Los Angeles. The film delves into themes of identity, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence, providing a stark commentary on the socio-economic factors influencing inner-city youth.

"Up in Smoke" (1978), featuring the comedic duo Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, is a seminal work in the stoner comedy genre. Beyond its humor, the film subtly addresses issues of cultural identity and the immigrant experience, with Cheech Marin's character often reflecting Chicano culture.

"Spy Kids" (2001), directed by Robert Rodriguez, revolutionized family-oriented action films by placing Latino characters at the forefront. The film follows the adventures of two young siblings who become spies to rescue their parents, seamlessly integrating Latino culture into mainstream cinema.

"Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" (1982) features Ricardo Montalbán reprising his role as Khan Noonien Singh. Montalbán, a trailblazer for Latino actors in Hollywood, founded Nosotros in the 1970s, an organization dedicated to advocating for greater Latino representation in media.

Latino films recognized before

The National Film Registry selects 25 films annually for preservation, recognizing their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance. Despite this inclusive mandate, less than five percent of the 875 titles on the National Film Registry are currently Latino-driven stories.

Congressman Castro's advocacy has been instrumental in addressing this disparity. In 2021, he successfully campaigned for the inclusion of "Selena" (1997), the biopic of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, emphasizing that Latino stories are integral to the American narrative.

Following this success, Castro has continued to submit annual nomination lists to the National Film Registry, incorporating input from the public and the filmmaking community. His efforts have led to the induction of films such as "¡Alambrista!" (1977) and "The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez" (1982), further enriching the Registry's diversity.