The African Studies Association UK 2012 Conference, which takes place in Leeds, UK from 6 to 8 September, is calling for papers. The themes are new innovations in genres, themes, production and distribution in contemporary African cinema.
This series of panels will consist of presentations looking at new innovations and trends in African cinema in the 21st Century. The past decade has seen an explosion of filmmaking activities from across the continent, with many new and innovative styles, themes, genres and production methods, and new trends in training, exhibition and distribution. The purpose of this series of panels is to consider contemporary African cinema from all these angles.
The growing recognition and importance of African cinema is evident from the number of academic institutions worldwide now incorporating teaching in this area, the number of film festivals, in Africa and internationally, dedicated to African cinema, the expanding international recognition and awards that African directors are receiving, and the growing accessibility to African cinema in terms of DVD distribution and general cinema exhibition. Of particular interest are papers that consider cross- and inter-regional, trans- and international collaborations and influences in African cinema from across the continent.
For more information email conference convenor Dr Lizelle Bisschoff (University of Edinburgh & Africa in Motion Film Festival) on l.bisschoff@ed.ac.uk / lizelle@africa-in-motion.org.uk.
