The relationship between politics and American cinema is long and complex, but at its core rests the fundamental idea that stories matter. Film can both reveal, and popularize, political perspectives and trends. From early efforts at film censorship to contemporary conversations about Barbie and Oppenheimer, film in the United states has always been a space in which political ideas are contested. The focus of this lecture will specifically be on one of those contested ideas - fascism. From early films such as Birth of a Nation and Gabriel Over the White House, to contemporary films such as Batman and Pinocchio, the treatment of fascism in film can tell us much about where we've come from, and where we might be going.

Aaron Heresco, Ph.D., is a 1st generation college student who grew up in central Pennsylvania. He went to Penn State Altoona for his undergraduate degree with plans to work in international affairs. After taking two years off after graduation, Aaron decided to pursue a post-graduate degree in communication, focusing largely on news cultures and practices. While studying news Aaron developed a passion for understanding the relationship between communication, media, and power. These interests have led Aaron to research issues ranging from campaign finance coverage, television representation of masculinity, financial literacy programs, and the economics of television production. Aaron currently lives in Camarillo with his wife Leslie and pet.