THEMATIC FIELDS

The thematic axes of the Conference approach a series of thematic fields related to film writing and research in accordance with the undergraduate programme of studies “Studies in Film Writing, Practice and Research (CSR)” of the Hellenic Academy of Sciences, but also the broader scientific, artistic and social implications of cinema.

The selected papers will be published in an electronic edition of the Conference Proceedings with ISBN and DOI.

Screenplay

The script is a map of intentions drawn up at the beginning of the process of realising an audiovisual narrative - a map essential in this long, winding and arduous process. A crucial map, since, quite often, most of the problems found in the final product are attributed to the script. This theme concerns both alternative approaches to dramaturgical construction - plot adequacy, character complexity, character complexity, dialogue functionality, thematic background - and the individual stages of the development of a scripted narrative: from the initial conception (concept), to the Synopsis, Treatment and successive drafts of a script. The debate on scripted narrative modes can only remain open, as the diversity of the ever-changing audiovisual landscape demands.

Direction

Research into the ways of composing the cinematic text is an ongoing process in the relatively short history of the medium, constantly opening up new avenues of expression through innovative, often radical, approaches and practices. The heterogeneity of film writing, which draws on and assimilates elements from other arts (literature, theatre, visual arts, music), offers a fertile basis for experimentation, making filmmaking a predominantly creative field of the seventh art. This theme focuses on the decisive role that the directorial vision of pioneering filmmakers has played in shaping cinematic - and by extension audiovisual - language to date, as well as on contemporary challenges in an ever-evolving artistic and social landscape.

Film Theory

The theme refers to a desirable aesthetic exploration of the theoretical principles of the art of cinema, as they have gradually developed from the 20th century to the present day. Film philosophy ( Film Philosophy) in the Analytic, as well as in its Continental tradition, Psychoanalytic Theory (emphasis is placed on the so-called Dream Theory, as defined by thinkers such as Jean Epstein, Roland Barthes , Christian Metz and Thierry Kuntzel, among others), sociological approaches, but also semiological readings of the art of film narrative, constitute some of the individual areas of research on which a communication can focus.

History of cinema

The theme focuses on the broader History of Cinema, exploring individual aesthetic, cultural, economic and artistic dimensions of the development of the art of cinema. Cinema, after all, pushes us to develop a more dynamic relationship with historical time. The focus is not geographically and culturally limited to the narrative American and Anglo-Saxon model, but emphasizes traditions of different places and contexts (for example: Europe, Asia, Russian filmmakers). Currents such as e.g. Brazilian Cinema Nuovo, the Nouvelle Vague, The New German Cinema or Italian Neorealism particularly lend themselves to partial examination. In addition, the extremely interesting history of animation is taken up as an integral part of Film History.

Animation

Animation, as a tool for creation and innovation, has been developing dynamically alongside digital technology, playing a leading role in it since the mid-twentieth century until today, when the fourth industrial revolution is underway. At the same time, a broad debate has developed in defining the expressive possibilities and fields of application of animation in the new digital reality that is dynamically taking shape. In this context, the interest of the scientific conference is focused on articles related to the following fields:
- Theoretical development of specific issues of the aesthetics and history of animation
- Case studies of animation applications in various thematic fields
- Exploration of ways of using animation to address specific challenges and needs
- Exploration of new expressive possibilities of animation in the context of augmented, virtual and mixed reality and in an AI environment.
- Exploring the place of animation in the gaming environment
- Identifying new linear and non-linear narratives of animation

Cinema and Literature

The thematic axis Cinema and Literature focuses on literary works that have been transferred to the big screen or inspired a film, and vice versa: on books inspired by a film. A great two-way street, with literary writing and film at the hub. How is the relationship between the two arts structured? What are their similarities and what are their structural differences? What methodological tools do the filmmakers on both sides use to convey the overall atmosphere and interiority of a literary character on the big screen? And vice versa: how is the literary development of cinematic heroes achieved in the literary narrative flow? Finally, this thematic axis also focuses on writers who have switched to film writing in their artistic career.​

Cinema and Education

This theme comprises two distinct strands: a) the use of cinema in formal and informal education, aiming at the cultivation of audiovisual literacy, and b) the didactics of cinema, focusing mainly on higher education, where new generations of filmmakers will be incubated. Both of these fields have been systematically studied by filmmakers, researchers and educators, and a wide range of innovative practices already exist from which useful conclusions and guidelines can be drawn. The challenge of developing new objectives and educational methods is particularly urgent nowadays, given the rapid expansion of digital media, which is drastically changing the ways in which audiovisual products are created, distributed and viewed.

Artificial Intelligence in Cinema

This section explores the use and potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the different stages of audiovisual narrative composition. From script writing and storyboard design to the production of visual and audio effects, machine learning algorithms are opening up new avenues in content production and consumption. A particular case is the visual experimentation in animating images created with AI applications, where both primary "photography" and post-production are attempted to be performed by AI mechanisms.

Music and Sound in Cinema

Examines the synergies of music and storytelling in the production of audiovisual media, the ways of creating emotions through music, sound and moving image, and the impact of sound technology in cinema.

Photography Direction and Film Lighting

The subject matter, which summarises the essence of the Film Photography Department, includes subjects that combine and delve into the technique and aesthetics of lighting, frame composition, camera movement, as well as into every aspect of visual storytelling applied to every possible condition of dramatic version in the wider audiovisual environment.