To be eligible, films must be at least 10 years old, though they need not be feature-length or have had a theatrical release in order to be considered. The legislation's intent is that the broadest possible range of films be eligible for consideration. Membership increases by two positions. The Foundation's primary mission is to save orphan films , films without owners able to pay for their preservation. The films most at-risk are newsreels, silent films, experimental works, films out of copyright protection, significant amateur footage, documentaries, and features made outside the commercial mainstream.
Orphan films are the living record of the twentieth century.
This money must be used for preservation projects. None of these federal funds can be spent on the administration of the Foundation. The nine members of the Foundation's Board of Directors are appointed by the Librarian of Congress and serve four-year terms. Two of the Directors also sit on the National Film Preservation Board. The Librarian is a non-voting Board member.