Call for Papers: "Life is Beautiful" and its controversies (deadline: May 11) As part of a panel at SAMLA entitled "The Holocaust in Literature and Film," I am soliciting papers on Roberto Begnini's "Life is Beautiful," this year's Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film and the subject of hot debate in the press. I will select two papers from those submitted, probably one in support of the film and one that attacks it. The papers may cover any aspect of "Life is Beautiful" (including its role in the Italian cinema, its relationship to American and international Holocaust movies, its place in Begnini's career, its two part structure, its slapstick and verbal humor, its representation of character and archetype, its treatment of faith, class, gender, Naziism, etc.) but preference will be given to those which treat its representation of the Holocaust, its status as a comedy or a fable, and/or its importance as a cultural and aesthetic document with the greatest passion and intelligence. Please send 200-500 word abstracts to me, Raphael Shargel, at [log in to unmask] by May 11. Papers must occupy no more than 15 minutes of reading time. The 1999 South Atlantic Modern Language Association Convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia from 4-6 November. Those selected to read must become SAMLA members by 1 July. The list of papers to be presented is due on 15 May, so I must adhere strictly to my deadline. Questions may be addressed to me at my e-mail address above. Raphael Shargel ---- For past messages, visit the Screen-L Archives: http://bama.ua.edu/archives/screen-l.html