MUMBAI: Washington-based Library of Congress has announced that 1994‘s smash hit Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks is among the 25 films that have been chosen to be preserved in the National Film Registry this year.

Among the films are two films The Cry of the Children and A Cure for Pokeritis, both made in 1912. Another film from the silent era is Charlie Chaplin‘s first full-length feature The Kid.

Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act, the Librarian of Congress names 25 films those are ‘culturally, historically or aesthetically‘ significant every year. This year as many as 2,228 films were nominated.
 
"These films are selected because of their enduring significance to American culture," Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said in a statement.

"Our film heritage must be protected because these cinematic treasures document our history and culture and reflect our hopes and dreams," he added.
 
Also in the list are the animated Disney classic Bambi, The Big Heat, The Silence of the Lambs, The 1953 made War of the Worlds will also be preserved along with Porgy and Bess, Stand and Deliver and John Ford‘s epic Western The Iron Horse.

Lesser known films were chosen for their significance to the art. Among these are A Computer Animated Hand by Pixar Animation Studios co-founder Ed Catmull.

Making into the list will also be notable documentaries like Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment, Growing Up Female and The Negro Soldier.