Help Middle-earth News Register the Ring! Nominate FOTR for the 2013 National Film Registry

Middle-earth News is pleased to kick-off its Register the Ring campaign with #RegisterFOTR. This year, we are seeking to have The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring added to the 2013 National Film Registry. The deadline for nominations is September 13, 2013. (To be redirected to our sample letter to the Registry, click here.)

Every year since 1989, twenty-five films have been added to the Registry that are deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” These films are earmarked for preservation by the Library of Congress.

The only other requirement for inclusion on the Registry is that a film must be at least ten years old. After reviewing public suggestions and consulting extensively with film experts and the 44 members and alternates of the National Film Preservation Board, The Librarian of Congress will announce the new selections at the end of December.

How can you help?

First, and most importantly, you can send your recommendations (limit 50 titles per year) via email to: dross@loc.gov. Please include the date of the film nominated (2001 for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring), and number your recommendations.

We have created a sample letter that you can use in part or in its entirety. And we encourage you to nominate up to 49 other films that you believe fit the criteria. Have a look at this list from The National Film Registry if you need help getting started.

Another way you can help is to spread the word!

• Use the hashtag #RegisterFOTR to get the word out on social media.

• Create and share artwork, photos, or your own personal letter to the National Film Registry on social media.

• Create a video about why you think The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

• Follow Middle-earth News on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Pinterest where we’ll be uploading new graphics for you to share with your friends and followers.

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Remember, the deadline for submissions is September 13, 2013!

When the 2013 National Film Registry is announced in December, we’ll know what to do next. If Fellowship of the Ring is on the list, we can celebrate! Our focus will then become nominating The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers for the 2014 National Film Registry. However, if it doesn’t make the 2013 list, we’ll push even harder for 2014!

The Tolkien and Lord of the Rings fan community have come together because of a shared love of these books and movies. It’s important that we preserve the films for future generations. Together, I know we can do it!

Sample Letter to the National Film Registry

To the National Film Registry:

I would like to nominate the 2001 film The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring to the 2013 National Film Registry.

One cannot deny the cultural, historical, and aesthetic influence of The Fellowship of the Ring. The stunning scenery and impressive visual effects in the film were groundbreaking in their time. It inspired countless filmmakers, authors, and artists, and it paved the way for the many fantasy films and televisions shows that followed.

The Fellowship of the Ring was a part of a larger movement around the turn of the millennium that helped reignite the imagination of the American people and helped a whole new generation fall in love with the genre of fantasy.

Of course it won accolades and awards, but more important is its preservation and continued presence in the zeitgeist. Please consider The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring for inclusion on the 2013 National Film registry, along with the following films:

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

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