*Sights and Sites: Topographical Approaches to British Cinema*
*A Post-Graduate Study Day, 2nd April 2011*
*Hosted by Queen Mary, University of London*
*Opening Address: Prof. Janet Harbord (Queen Mary, University of London)*
*
*
In the last two decades the notions of =91space=92 and =91place=92 have be=
come a
paramount topic within film studies, often encouraging interdisciplinary
work with subjects as far-ranging as geography, anthropology and
post-colonial studies. With no sign of the topographical approach losing
momentum, this post-graduate study day intends to use the topic of space, i=
n
all its myriad forms, to encourage innovative discussions on British Cinema=
.
The deliberate choice of a broad area of film studies as an entry point to
consider British Cinema is intended to attract postgraduate students from a
variety of specialisms, ensuring a day of intellectually vibrant and divers=
e
presentations and dialogues. The day will be structured around four worksho=
p
sessions, with coffees, a buffet lunch and a closing wine reception.
To maximise the day=92s discussions participants are required to submit the=
ir
papers (max 2500 words) shortly in advance of the event, in order that they
can be circulated. Participants will then make a brief presentation on the
day outlining their main arguments (5-10 mins). Participants are expected t=
o
prepare at least one question for each paper circulated.
Abstracts are welcomed on, but not restricted to, the following themes:
*Narrative Space: *filmic constructions of utopias, dystopias and
heterotopias; the use of interiors and exteriors; mediating the urban and
rural; journey narratives; spaces of fantasy; space and genre.
*Spatialising Identity: *the body in space and questions of phenomenology;
gendered spaces; queer spaces; colonial and post-colonial spaces; exilic
spaces; place and the notion of community and/ or belonging.
*The Aesthetics of Space: *the construction and use of on and off-screen
space; the use of sound in creating space; questions of frames, borders and
boundaries; the impact of digital technology on spatial aesthetics. * *
*Sites of Productions and Exhibition: *location shoots and the notion of a
tourist gaze; situating the cinema of the so-called =91Celtic fringe=92 wit=
hin a
British Cinema context; exploring the north-south divide; the impact of new
media on sites of exhibition/reception; situating British Cinema within a
global context; questioning local versus world-wide appeal; audience
receptions; British film festivals; British Cinema as a
national/trans-national/global industry.
*Please submit 200 word abstracts and a brief biography to Lavinia Brydon
and Jimmy Hay at **(sightsandsites.qmul /at/ gmail.com)** Suggestions for panels o=
f
3 speakers are welcome. Deadline: 16**th** January 2011. As this is a study
day, places are limited to those selected to give papers.*
