In this episode of a Classic Sounds of Film, host Tom Needham speaks with filmmaker Dawn Sinclair Shapiro about her documentary The State of Eugenics. Their conversation explores how the film exposes a troubling and often overlooked chapter of American history — the forced sterilization of more than 7,600 people in North Carolina who were labeled as having “undesirable” genetic traits. Shapiro discusses the years of research behind the project, the role of investigative journalists in uncovering the story, and how connecting archival records to living survivors helped spark a movement demanding acknowledgement and justice.
The documentary, developed over four years, centers on the human consequences of the policy, giving voice to survivors whose stories might otherwise have remained hidden. Through personal testimony and historical investigation, the film reveals the lasting impact of the program and why confronting this past remains essential today.
The Sounds of Film podcast continues its tradition of highlighting influential voices in film and music. Past guests have included Cheech & Chong, Billy Joel, Alexander Payne, Wallace Shawn, Kurtis Blow, Laurie Anderson, Ralph Macchio, and Donny Most, reflecting the program’s wide-ranging focus on artists whose work shapes culture and storytelling.
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