This week, it was announced that the classic 1942 Disney film Bambi was given the distinct honor of being selected for the 2011 National Film Registry. The Registry, which is part of the Library of Congress, preserves films that are deemed to be cultural, artistic and historical treasures. The selections were made by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington, who chose 25 films out of 2,228 selections nominated by the public with the help of film curators and members of the National Film Preservation Board.
In a statement, Billington said about the selections:
“These films are selected because of their enduring significance to American culture. Our film heritage must be protected because these cinematic treasures document our history and culture and reflect our hopes and dreams.”
Bambi was noted by the Library of Congress for being “treasured as one of film’s most heart-rending stories of parental love,” as well as its “eloquent message of nature conservation.” The classic film has captured audiences’ hearts for nearly 70 years, and is remembered for being Walt Disney’s personal favorite animated classic.
Also of relevance to Disney fans in this year’s selections was the inclusion of the 1972 short film A Computer Animated Hand, created by future Pixar Animation Studios co-founder Ed Catmull. The one-minute film, which demonstrates a digitally animated hand, is one of the earliest examples of 3D computer animation, and the concepts explored in the making of the film laid the foundation for future innovations in computer graphics and animation.
The 2011 National Film Registry also includes such classic films as Forrest Gump and The Silence of the Lambs. For a complete list of the selections, visit the Library of Congress’ website.
