CALL FOR PAPERS Subverting the Mainstream: Independent Film and Media An area of multiple panels for the 2016 Film & History Conference: “Gods and Heretics” October 26-30, 2016 The Hilton Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI (USA) DEADLINE for abstracts: June 1, 2016 Area: Subverting The Mainstream: Independent Film and Media Independent film and media is typically viewed in terms of its opposition to the mainstream. Stories of independents are often presented as David and Goliath narratives, pitting the smaller, nimble, rebellious, radical independent against a staid, conservative, monolithic industry. This area asks presenters to consider to what extent this antagonism is valid. In what cases is this conflict productive and in what cases should it be complicated? How does independent media challenge the mainstream, and to what effect? How and why do independent media producers cultivate this dichotomy? And on the other hand, are there instances in which independent and mainstream industries overlap and coordinate in mutually beneficial ways? We hope these panels will lead to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship and interactions between independents and the mainstream. Possible topics include: Maverick producers and distributors Independent auteurs The role of the avant-garde Grassroots and guerilla production and marketing tactics Challenging definitions of independence Mainstream co-option of independent style and themes Conventional style and/or conservative themes in independents Independent religious media Rhetorical strategies that negotiate the independent/mainstream divide Crossovers and permeability of personnel and texts Proposals for complete panels (three related presentations) are also welcome, but they must include an abstract and contact information, including an e-mail address, for each presenter. For updates and registration information about the upcoming meeting, see the Film & History website (www.filmandhistory.org). Please e-mail your 200-word proposal by June 1, 2016, to the area chairs: Chelsea McCracken [log in to unmask] Matt Connolly [log in to unmask] ---- For past messages, visit the Screen-L Archives: https://listserv.ua.edu/archives/screen-l.html