The Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh - home of the Edinburgh International Film Festival - announces its 2nd Edinburgh Film Audiences Conference.


The study of film audiences is a developing area that explores attitudes towards films, influence of meanings and cultural identity as well as findings relating to age, class, ethnic and gender groups. This conference aims to unite academics and the film industry in the discussion of audience research and its impact on content, ethics and different experiences of viewing film. The conference will cover a wide range of topics based on international research such as the study of marginalized migrant audiences of Border Cinema in Mexico, Columbian filmmakers of the 40’s or the success of Nollywood (Nigerian cinema). There is cross European analysis of attitudes to documentary based on qualitative research within focus groups in Spain, Scotland, Austria and the Netherlands. There are papers that discuss negotiations of cultural identity and the impact of nationality on audiences like the response to the remake of The Wicker Man. There are discussions of how movies influence meaning and morality within audiences, including the gendered aesthetics of horror.

Former director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Scottish Film Council David Bruce (currently chair of Glasgow Film Theatre) will be the opening speaker, with the closing plenary session including industry representatives and academics. There will be space for networking in an informal atmosphere. There are no overlapping sessions so it will be possible to attend all of the presentations. This conference is being run in conjunction with Edinburgh Film Guild, the world's longest running film society. Conference registration forms are available online at www.edinburghfilmguild.com/site/Conference [Further details about the conference and any enquiries about presenters, their papers and any requests for interviews or photographic opportunities can be obtained from the following: Conference Organiser Dr Ailsa Hollinshead: mobile - 0779 0356 334 or ailsahollinshead@blueyonder.co.uk]