The next annual convention of the American Association for Italian Studies will be held in NYC, May 7-10, 2009. There will be a number of sessions dedicated to the Italian Cinema. For more details please go to: http://people.cohums.ohio-state.edu/renga1/AAIS08/ I am taking this opportunity to wish you all Happy Holidays and Happy 2009! CRITICAL PRACTICE & ITALIAN FILMS FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT "Teaching filmmaking without being cognizant of fundamental cinematic theories demeans film craft to the mere level of an amateur workshop. And the opposite: studying film history and theory without a corresponding experience in the elemental aspects of filmmaking leaves theoretical research without a solid basis, forcing students to plunge into abstraction."* From film pioneers such as Ricciotto Canudo to the modern debates between Pasolini & Eco and beyond, Italian film theorists have stimulated critical responses. This session seeks to explore the Italian Cinema in light of critical reflection and/or film theory. Presenters canestablish their own critical framework but papers drawing upon diverse film theories (by Italian or nonItalian authors) as applied to Italian films are particularly welcome. Approaches can include but are not limited to: (neo)formalism, (neo)realism, historical poetics, (post)structuralism, semiotics, cognitivism, theories of spectatorship, feminism, gender & queer film theories, and most recent film scholarship. * Lev Kuleshov quoted by Vlada Petric in "Relating Courses in Filmmaking and Film Studies" University Film Study Center Newsletter 4, no. 5 (June 1974): 1. Please send a 200 words abstract by Jan. 2, 2009. Organizer: Slavica Grujicic, University of Toronto ([log in to unmask]) ---- For past messages, visit the Screen-L Archives: http://bama.ua.edu/archives/screen-l.html