Diaspora, Exile and Colonial Memory in Literature, Film, and Art

deadline for submissions: 
June 30, 2026
full name / name of organization: 
Katy Siroun Simonian / PAMLA
contact email: 

Greetings!

Embrace the opportunity to present your work at this year's PAMLA Conference (Pacific Ancient Modern Language Association) which will be held in Seattle, Washington from Nov. 12-15, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel with a beautiful welcome event set to take place on the evening of Nov. 11.

https://www.pamla.org/pamla2026/

"Diaspora, Exile, and Colonial Memory in Literature, Film, and Art"

This panel examines the experiences of diverse diasporic communities as represented in literature, film, and visual art. We welcome proposals that explore how crossing borders or being displaced reshapes identity, expands, challenges, or complicates the concept of homeland, and fosters connection across geographic and cultural divides.

This session explores the multifaceted realities of the global diaspora, focusing on how cultural productions can challenge or complicate expectations regarding the realities of living in exile. We seek presentations examining literature, film, and art that address displacement, structural oppression, war, or genocide. We are particularly interested in projects exploring memories of loss within a colonial, postcolonial, or exilic life. Ultimately, this panel investigates what “home” means to the displaced, migrant, or uprooted—and how that concept can become layered, sacred, conflicted, or even holy. By exploring various depictions of exile, we hope to foster a collaborative conversation on how diasporic communities maintain, redefine, or reconstruct notions of identity, family, religion, and history. Please submit abstracts to the following link by June 30, 2026. https://pamla.ballastacademic.com/Home/S/20277 Thank You! Sincerely, Prof. Katy SimonianDepartment of English, CSULBPresiding Officer and ChairPAMLASummer 2026