*CFP* "FEMALE HORROR DIRECTORS", FALL 2019 ISSUE, IN MEDIA RES JOURNAL

Linda Williams and Carol J. Clover have famously argued that the horror genre is gender fluid rather than male-oriented.  Recent years have continued to not only prove these claims true in terms of content, but also through above-the-line creators finding success in the genre.  The likes of Jennifer Kent, Coralie Fargeat, Julia Ducournau, Karyn Kusama, and others have either started or perpetuated their careers by directing critically acclaimed or cult classic works within or adjacent to the horror genre.  

These filmmakers were also preceded by the likes of Katt Shea (Streets, Poison Ivy) and the creators behind the Slumber Party Massacre franchise, who are often overlooked in popular and scholarly discourse about the horror genre.  This theme week intends to offer an opportunity to discuss these filmmakers and their works from a variety of perspectives.

Topics may include:

• Gender representation (especially female representation) in female directed horror films. 
• Does horror serve as an easier entry point into a male-dominated industry for female filmmakers?  Or, the opposite, does the industry and market discourage female participation? 
• How do these filmmakers intentionally subvert or perpetuate genre tropes and conventions? 
• Analyses of films such as The Slumber Party Massacre (1982), Jennifer’s Body (2009), The Babadook (2014), Raw (2016), Revenge (2017), etc. 
• Analyses of television programs such as American Horror Story, Scream Queens, The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, etc.

Proposals may be brief, but please describe the topic and key question(s) to be explored in detail.  

Please submit your proposal by 18 October 2019. If interested, please contact In Media Res (inmediares@gsu.edu) with topic proposals or for more information about the theme.  Be sure to include the name of the theme week you would like to be involved with in the subject line of the email.

Academics, journalists, critics, media professionals and fans are all welcome to submit proposals.

The actual piece will include either a 30-second to 3-minute clip, an image, or a slideshow that will be accompanied by a 300 to 350 word response to/contextualization of your clip, image, or slideshow. In addition to your piece, you will be expected to engage the other pieces presented that week to encourage discussion and further flesh out the individual topic in relation to the week’s theme.

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