When you think of Independent Filmmaking, some big names come up. This may include Kevin Smith whose 1994 Indie, Clerks, was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in late 2019.
The National Film Preservation Board, “works to ensure the survival, conservation and increased public availability of America’s film heritage” and after nominees, the Board selects the films to be added to the film registry, “because of their cultural, historic and aesthetic importance to the nation’s film heritage.”
Other independent films that were added in 2019 were Boys Don’t Cry (1999), Real Women Have Curves (2002) and She’s Gotta Have It (1986).
Smith spoke about his appreciation and sense of awe that his first film has been added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry on Twitter and on his podcast, “Fatman and Beyond.”
“I am overwhelmed! Thank you for acknowledging our little Jersey paean to working hard at not working at all. You took the only magic trick I’ve ever pulled off and legitimized it, placing Clerks into legendary company! SO glad I’ve always paid my taxes! (Thanks to all who voted!)”
Smith has made a career talking. From his live Q&A tours to podcasts, the filmmaker has made a living by telling stories of his everyday life. A few times, he has been asked how he was able to work in the film industry. His response was thoughtful and true. In a world, and particularly in a profession, in which many ask, “Why you? Why make this and why have you made this?” he replied that instead, “I surrounded myself with people who said, ‘Why not you?’ You can watch his answer in this YouTube video: