UWE in association with the Arnolfini Arts Centre, Bristol
4-6 July 2008, the Arnolfini, Bristol

Keynote Speakers:

Vivian Sobchack (UCLA)
Stephen Mulhall (Oxford)
Robert Sinnerbrink (Maquarrie)
Catherine Constable (Warwick)
Julian Baggini (editor, The Philosopher’s Magazine)
Karin Littau (Essex)

In the last years there has been a growing interest in the relationship between philosophy and film within both analytic and European philosophical traditions. At the same time, film studies as a discipline has always raised philosophical questions and has been enriched by a variety of philosophical traditions. The aim of this conference is to bring together scholars from both disciplines to examine this shared history, as well as display the current range and state of philosophical film analysis.

In what ways is film philosophically informative? What methodologies have been developed for philosophical analysis of film? What do various philosophical traditions bring to the study of film? What does the practice of film studies bring to the practice of philosophy? What vibrant areas have developed in these fields? The conference theme is deliberately broad and proposals are invited on any conjunction between film and philosophy. We welcome submissions that range from general and methodological observations about the field to readings and interpretations of specific films, genres, film movements or filmmakers. We encourage submissions from graduate students and will reserve some sessions for graduate papers.

Topics include (but are not limited to):
• Film as philosophy
• The ontology of cinema
• Film and phenomenology
• Particular philosophical approaches to film (Cavell, Deleuze, Frampton etc.)
• The Epistemology of film
• Film affect
• The philosophical worldview of particular directors
• Subjectivity and cinema
• Film ‘theory’ as philosophy
• Aesthetics and film
• Political philosophy and film
• Historical developments in film-philosophy
• Genre and philosophy
• Philosophy and film movements (German Expressionism, Soviet Montage, Italian Neorealism etc.)
• Cinema as thought experiment
• Morality and movies
• Feminist philosophy and film practice
• Film making as philosophical practice
• Methodologies for philosophical film analysis

Contributions are invited for:
Panel topics (2-4 speakers)
Individual papers (20 minutes + 10 minutes for discussion)
Graduate papers

We will endeavour to include as many papers as possible within the time limits and are happy to discuss initial suggestions for panel discussions.
NB: please send us your abstract before the deadline if you require an early response. We strongly recommend this option for overseas participants who may need to book flights.