cfp.english.upenn.edu

31st Annual Conference February 10-13, 2010
Southwest/Texas Popular and American Culture Association
http://swtxpca.org/

Abstract Deadline: 12/15/09, Priority Registration Deadline 12/15/09

Conference Hotel:
Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
330 Tijeras
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505.842.1234

The films of Claire Denis

With the release of Claire Denis’s latest film, White Material, the director locates a third film in the continent of Africa. Following Chocolat and Beau Travail, White Material presents, as Jay Weissberg in Variety offers, “a powerful recognition of the continent’s tragic present.” In addition to these films, is the director’s highly celebrated film, 35 rhums (English title: 35 Shots of Rum). Dan Fainaru in Screen Daily notes about 35 rhums: "What makes this all so distinctive is Denis refusal to resort to stereotypes. This Parisian suburb isn't the usual immigrant enclave steeped in crime, racism, poverty, unemployment and drugs. These are people leading normal lives, living in grey buildings where the elevators work, the corridors are clean and the flats well tended. It is probably the first time that these hostile surroundings have looked not only habitable but somewhere where warm, human social intercourse takes place."

This panel seeks essays that examine post/colonial themes in Denis’s works. While this CFP mentions Chocolat, Beau Travail, White Material, and 35 rhums, papers and arguments are not limited to these films.

Any of Denis’s films are open for examination under the panel’s theme, as are arguments that take into account the cinematographic choices of Denis’s longtime DP, Agnès Godard

Scholars, teachers, professionals, and others are encouraged to participate. Graduate students are also particularly welcome with award opportunities for best graduate papers.

Please share this CFP with colleagues.

Please send a short bio and a 250-350 word abstract to mjonet@nmsu.edu or to the physical address below by 15 December 2009. Please note that 15 December is also the last day for priority registration.

Dr. M. Catherine Jonet, European Popular Culture and Literature Area Chair
MSC 3WSP
New Mexico State University
P.O. Box 30001
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001