Call for Papers for Issues 7.2 “Contemporary Cinemas of Southeast Asia”

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 15 MAY 2025

PAPER SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 1 AUGUST 2025

The theme for Southeast Asian Media Studies Journal issue 7.1 is Contemporary Cinemas of Southeast Asia. This issue seeks to highlight the diverse and dynamic cinematic landscapes of Southeast Asia, exploring how they reflect and shape the cultural, social, and political contexts of their respective nations. This issue welcomes a wide range of submissions, including case studies of specific films or filmmakers, analyses of national trends, explorations of cross-border collaborations, and discussions of industry developments.

Areas of interest include but are not limited to the following:

• National Cinemas and Identity: Exploration of how contemporary films reflect and shape national identities.
• Independent and Art-House Filmmaking: The rise of independent films and their impact on regional cinematic landscapes.
• Genre Trends and Innovations: Examination of evolving genres, such as horror, romance, or action, in Southeast Asian cinema.
• Streaming and Digital Distribution: The influence of global streaming platforms on production, distribution, and consumption.
• Cultural Representation: Depictions of tradition, modernity, and cultural hybridity in contemporary films.
• Filmmaker Perspectives: Case studies on notable contemporary directors, screenwriters, or producers in the region.
• Industry Dynamics: Analyses of production practices, funding mechanisms, and co-production strategies.
• Audience Reception: Studies on how local and international audiences engage with Southeast Asian films.
• Festivals and Recognition: The role of regional and global film festivals in showcasing Southeast Asian cinema.
• Transnational Collaborations: Exploration of cross-border filmmaking within Southeast Asia or with international partners.
• Technology in Filmmaking: The adoption of new technologies, such as VR, AR, or AI, in Southeast Asian cinema.
• Censorship and Regulation: The impact of governmental policies on creative expression and storytelling.

Submission and Inquiries:

Submit abstracts and direct all inquiries to Dr. Alexander J. Klemm, SEAMSJ editor-in-chief, at eic.seamsj@gmail.com. Put “[SEAMSJ 7.2 CCOSEA]” in the email subject line.

Important dates:

Abstract submission deadline: 15 May 2025

Notification of accepted abstracts: 1 June 2025

Deadline for full paper submission: 1 August 2025

Double-blind peer review and feedback: 15 September 2025

Submission of revised paper: 15 October 2025

Target publication date: 1 December 2025

For information about the journal, please visit https://seamsa.org/seamsjournal/