"Teaching filmmaking without being cognizant of fundamental cinematic theories demeans film craft to the mere level of an amateur workshop. And the opposite: studying film history and theory without a corresponding experience in the elemental aspects of filmmaking leaves theoretical research without a solid basis, forcing students to plunge into abstraction." (Lev Kuleshov).

From film pioneers such as Ricciotto Canudo to the modern debates between Pasolini & Eco and beyond, Italian film theorists have stimulated critical responses. This session seeks to explore the Italian Cinema in light of critical reflection and/or film theory. Presenters can establish their own critical framework but papers drawing upon diverse film theories (by Italian or non Italian authors) as applied to Italian films are particularly welcome. Approaches can include but are not limited to: (neo)formalism, (neo)realism, historical poetics, (post)structuralism, semiotics, cognitivism, theories of spectatorship, feminism, gender & queer film theories, and most recent film scholarship.

A 200 words abstract and AV needs by 16 January 2009
Organizer: Slavica Grujicic, University of Toronto
(slavica.grujicic@utoronto.ca)

Slavica Grujicic
100 St. Joseph Street
Department of Italian Studies
University of Toronto
M5S 1J4 Toronto, ON, Canada