Special Issue Call for Papers
'Female Trajectory in Film and Media' (2025)
This special issue of Northern Lights focuses on the ‘Female Trajectory’. The goal of this collection is two-fold: presentation and interpretation of narrative plots (in film /fiction/popular culture/new media, etc).
How is the female figure presented in various historical periods and how it is reflected from a feminist point of view (post-feminism, eco-feminism, etc.)? Furthermore, having in mind the well-known historical determination of female destiny, the idea of this issue is to present and analyze the unique, exciting female stories, which reflect Virginia Woolf’s statement: ‘It is the transfiguring light that distinguishes one experience from another happening from experience; it is life itself before the thought has shaped it’ (V. Woolf 1959). The ‘feminine’ is universal and yet transitory, and it can be expressed only by brittle half-phrases, symbols, and poetry (Woolf 1959).
Going beyond the stereotyped roles of women (symbolic violence), we encourage authors to find and analyze exciting, unexpected female trajectories, which defy existing facts. Case studies are especially welcome. The critical analysis of victimization and victims can contribute to our understanding of not only classic fairy-tale heroines but also their modern media-produced simulacra, which reproduce similarly powerless representations of women (Bachilega 1992).
Recent post-feminist studies reveal the deeply rooted medieval and early modern parameters (cf. Topić and Cunha 2022). According to Topić and Cunha, ‘when it comes to the portrayal of military women and the military has historically been associated with patriarchy and male domination, it seems that a post-feminist discourse emerges in which women can be both feminine and masculine, however, this points back to works that speak of blokish women and the fact women have to embrace cultural masculinity to succeed in what is apparently still a man’s world’ (Topić and Cunha 2022: 5).
This special issue is particularly interested in explorations of female trajectories in the fields of folkloristics, ethnology, cultural studies, and sociology, and in giving the historical and contemporary context of the discussed topics. Inter- and transdisciplinary research is particularly encouraged.
We welcome original research articles that explore the following topics (but are not limited to):
- Interplay between folklore and film and media studies
- Mythical power of the feminine
- Female reflection in traditional lore and new media
- Female warriors in folklore
- Post-feminism and eco-feminism reflections in film and media
Authors are invited to submit original academic articles and newly written papers in English.
All articles submitted should be original work and must not be under consideration by other publications.
Publication Timeline
1 March 2024, abstract due (150 words)
1 November 2024, full manuscript due (8000 words)
Publication: Spring 2025
Please send an abstract, along with a brief bio, in the same file, to the Guest Editor Dr Lidija Stojanović (lidijast@ukim.edu.mk) and the Editor in Chief (mtopic@ua.edu).
General Call for Papers
Northern Lights: Film & Media Studies Yearbook is published once a year and the publication has the form of a book-length anthology of articles related to a specific theme, but also with articles outside the theme. The editor is always open to receiving submissions. Articles should not exceed 8000 words, should contain references and bibliography and must include an abstract of no more than 150 words. All articles submitted should be original work and must not be under consideration by other publications.
Already published
The themes covered so far in the yearbook can be seen from the following list:
Volume 21 (2023): ‘Transforming Genitals in Culture and Media’
Volume 20 (2022): ‘Women and Girls in Popular Television in the Age of Post-Feminism’
Volume 19 (2021): 'Perpetuating Inequality: Media Discourses on “Race” and Gender'
Volume 18 (2020): 'Europe at the Crossroads: Cinematic Takes'
Volume 17 (2019): 'Horrific Bodies: Surveillance, Screens and Screams'
Volume 16 (2018): 'Surveillance Through Media, by Media, in Media'
Volume 15 (2017): 'Political Communication in Networked Societies'
Volume 14 (2016): 'Television Drama in the Age of Media Convergence'
Volume 13 (2015): 'Books and Publishing in a Digital Age'
Volume 12 (2014): 'New Media Talk'
Volume 11 (2013): 'Age, Generation and the Media'
Volume 10 (2012): 'Re-Thinking Film and Media Production: Creativity, Convergence and Participation'
Volume 9 (2011): 'Media and Crime: Fiction and Journalism'
Volume 8 (2010): 'Newspapers and Journalism in Transition: The Printed Press as a Cultural and Political Resource in Contemporary News Landscapes'
Volume 7 (2009): 'Film, Media & Politics'
Volume 6 (2008): 'The Mediatization of Religion: Enchantment, Media and Popular Culture'
Volume 5 (2007): 'Digital Aesthetics and Communication'
Volume 4 (2006): 'European Film and Media Culture'
Volume 3 (2004): 'Visual Authorship: Creativity and Intentionality in Media'
Volume 2 (2003): 'Media in a Globalized Society'
Volume 1 (2002): 'Realism and Reality in Film and Media'
Journal contributors will receive a free PDF copy of their final work upon publication. Print copies of the journal may also be purchased by contributors at half price.
