Call for Papers Area: World War II: England 2006 Film & History Conference "The Documentary Tradition" 8-12 November, 2006 Dolce Conference Center - Dallas, TX www.filmandhistory.org Although British cinemas were initially closed in at the beginning of war, Whitehall soon discovered the vital role of films in modern warfare and set up the Ministry of Information (MoI) Films Division in order to coordinate and supervise the use of wartime film propaganda. However, the institution, which was rather hastily set up, was flawed and anything but a great success. Owing to its many difficulties ranging from organizational problems to individual incompetence, it was repeatedly criticized and even dubbed the "Ministry of Dis-Information" and "Ministry of Muddle". Later, when it overcame these preliminary obstacles it developed into one of Britains most powerful tools in the war: besides newsreels and short films its documentaries were useful for direct and immediate short-term information and instruction. A pivotal achievement of the Films Division was, among other things, its successful campaign against American neutrality by influencing American view on a war they principally knew through British eyes, as historian Nicholas John Cull argues. Moreover, British wartime documentary filmmakers were important for spreading the concept of 'the people's war.' This Area, comprising multiple panels, is a part of the Film and History League's "The Documentary Tradition" conference. It will take place at Dolce Conference Center - Dallas, TX from 8-12 November 2006. Further details can be found at www.filmandhistory.org. Proposals, not exceeding 500 words, along with a brief biographical note should be sent by 20 July 2006 to Either Christoph Laucht, Area Chair, University of Liverpool, School of Modern Languages (German), Modern Languages Building, Chatham Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZR, UK. Email [log in to unmask] Or Tobias Hochscherf, Area Chair, Tobias Hochscherf, Northumbria University, History of Art, Design & Film, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Lipman Building,, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK. Email: [log in to unmask] ==== This e-mail is intended solely for the addressee. It may contain private and confidential information. If you are not the intended addressee, please take no action based on it nor show a copy to anyone. Please reply to this e-mail to highlight the error. You should also be aware that all electronic mail from, to, or within Northumbria University may be the subject of a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and related legislation, and therefore may be required to be disclosed to third parties. This e-mail and attachments have been scanned for viruses prior to leaving Northumbria University. Northumbria University will not be liable for any losses as a result of any viruses being passed on. ---- To sign off Screen-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF Screen-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]