As discussions about representation in film continue, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) is actively advocating for Latino stories in mainstream cinema. He has highlighted the underrepresentation of Latinos in Hollywood and recommended the crime dramas “Blood In Blood Out” and “American Me” for the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry for 2024. He believes these films capture important aspects of the Latino experience often overlooked. Castro stated, "Both movies were able to show the humanity in the Latino community, even within very flawed characters," in a Los Angeles Times report.
Castro continues to advocate for Latino inclusion by submitting his third annual list of Latino-driven stories to the National Film Preservation Board. This year's submission aims to honor cultural contributions and address the widespread lack of positive Latino representation in mass media. He seeks to challenge and enrich the often narrow narratives of Latinos portrayed in media, as per the KSAT report.
The National Film Registry is an effort by the U.S. to preserve its cinematic heritage. Each year, the board adds 25 titles, and Castro’s fervent push over the years has resulted in three of his more than 50 nominations, including the biopic “Selena,” being selected. However, he and other advocates believe this number is disproportionately low considering Latino Americans' contributions and role as avid consumers of media. Brenda Victoria Castillo, a National Hispanic Media Coalition president and member of the National Film Preservation Board, articulated to the Los Angeles Times that less than 5% of the 875 films preserved are Latino-themed, which hardly reflects the cultural impact and history of the U.S. Latino community.
Meanwhile, studies from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism reveal staggeringly low numbers of Latino leads and directors in films. "It's very hard to have big numbers when you have small content," Felix Sanchez, co-founder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, told the Los Angeles Times. Empowering Latino narratives to be given equal space in Hollywood showcases is seen as one step towards changing these statistics.
For Rep. Castro, the films like “Blood In, Blood Out” serve as more than cultural artifacts but as sources of inspiration for future generations. He said, “When they see Jesse Borrego, who’s a San Antonio native, who is the star of that film and who’s done well in his career over the years, I think it helps more people believe they, too, can achieve those things, that there is a path for them in Hollywood or media and entertainment,” in a statement obtained by KSAT. The final list for this year's National Film Registry additions will be announced in December, and anticipation remains high for those advocating more diversity in Hollywood's celebrated archives.
