In the early 1990s, Fernando Collor de Mello in Brazil and Carlos Menem in Argentina swept out all State support for cinema in the name of neo-liberal policies that viewed the market as the supreme guardian of culture. National film production, distribution and exhibition in both countries were deeply impacted by the absence of the entire structure and legislation that had been available to support them. By the mid-90s new laws were passed to protect national film industries both in Brazil (Law 8695 of 1993) and in Argentina (Law 24377 of 1994). These laws re-established subventions and credit lines that allowed the rebirth of national cinema in both countries. This volume set outs to survey Argentine and Brazilian cinematic production in the last fifteen years (1995-2008). Moving on from the existent body of literature on Brazilian and Argentine cinemas, this volume not only looks into some of the commercially successful films, but also addresses newer cultural policies and systems of co-production that have impacted public incentives for filmmaking, as well as the developments and challenges for both industries in light of neo-liberal policies and globalization.

The editors seek essays that analyze the financial, aesthetic, and/or thematic concerns that have inspired Argentine and Brazilian filmmakers to produce successful and widely acclaimed films after the new audiovisual laws were implemented. To what extent did the new financing system influence the thematic and stylistic forms of films? How did new notions of individual and social identity relate to developments in film in both countries? What role has cinematic production played in concepts of national identity? How have films attempted to represent the changing roles of the State and civil society? What are the lines of continuity and change visible in contemporary Argentine and Brazilian cinematography? The editors invite essays that reflect on the quality, challenges, and themes of Argentine and Brazilian cinematic production during the 1995-2008 period. Contributions will be theoretically and methodologically accessible to an interdisciplinary readership interested in Latin American cinema in general, and Argentine and Brazilian cinemas in particular.

For more information contact the Editors:
Dr. Cacilda M. Ręgo
Utah State University
cacilda.rego@usu.edu

Dr. Carolina Rocha
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
crocha@suie.edu