Welcome to the Film community! We’re so happy you’re here and we want you take full advantage of the opportunities our new platform provides. Please read over the code of conduct so we can continue to ensure a safe and supportive space for all. Thank you for your dedication to the Popular Culture Association!

Call For Papers

The Film Area explores key concepts that structure discussions of film’s relationship to modernism and modernity, the persistence of genres, the nature of film authorship, stars and stardom, screenwriting, transmedia and multimedia adaptations, the implications of the cinematic gaze, as well as legal, aesthetic, and anthropological ramifications of digital images.

While we are interested in specific notions related to film studies, we also work at the intersection between history, sexuality, race, religion, and politics to adequately contextualize the visual contents. In addition, we welcome submissions related to industry studies as it pertains to practices, opportunities, and challenges of both business and craft, as well as representation on the page, onscreen, and behind the camera.

Proposals should include an abstract of ca. 2,500 characters, 3-5 updated bibliographic sources, and a brief biography (500 characters). 

Please address any questions or concerns to either co-chair:

Fabrizio Cilento fcilento@messiah.edu 

Anna Weinstein aweinst6@kennesaw.edu 

Important Dates to Remember:

• Database opens for Submissions - Sept. 1, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Begins - Sept. 1, 2025
• Deadline for Paper Proposals - Nov. 30, 2025
• Travel Grant Applications Due - Dec. 15, 2025
• Early Bird Registration Ends for Presenters - Dec. 31, 2025
• Regular Registration Begins for Presenters - Jan. 1, 2026 
• Travel Grant Decisions / Notifications - Jan. 31, 2026
• Regular Registration Ends for Presenters - Jan. 31, 2026
• Late Registration Starts for Presenters - Feb. 1, 2026
• Preliminary Program draft available - Feb. 6, 2026

Those Presenters Not Registered by Feb. 15 Will be Dropped from the Program

CONFERENCE IN ATLANTA, GA - April 8-11, 2026