Update: Sounds of Cinema’s semiquincentennial programming has been expanded from two shows to three.
This Independence Day marks the United States’ semiquincentennial and Sounds of Cinema will feature a couple of special programs.
June 28, 2026: Controversial Films and American Cinema
For years it has been a tradition on Sounds of Cinema to spend Independence Day celebrating freedom of speech by exploring movies that have been censored, banned, or controversial. This year’s program will air a week earlier than usual and will feature a special look at the history of censorship and other free speech issues in the history of American film.
July 5, 2026: America on Film Interview
The book America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality at the Movies guides readers through American history and the way cinema has represented various aspects of American life. This episode will feature an interview with authors Harry M. Benshoff and Sean Griffin.
July 12, 2026: America at the Movies
Cinema has the ability to visualize who we are and what we would like to be. Hollywood is built on fantasies and it has a unique place in realizing an idealized view of America. At the same time, filmmakers have used their work to explore who we are, sometimes revealing the unflattering realities of our culture. The program will showcase a list of movies that capture America.
Sounds of Cinema airs Sunday morning at 9am on 89.5 KQAL FM in Winona, Minnesota and at 11am on 89.7 KMSU FM in Mankato, Minnesota.