The Supernatural in Literature and Film
Ghosts, Fairies, Aliens, Vampires, Monsters, and Demons
29‒31 March 2014, Lerwick, Shetland, UK
Objects of fascination and horror.
This conference will bring together researchers and practitioners to discuss the
role of the supernatural in literature and film, past and present, worldwide.
Ever since the dawn of literature, the supernatural has played a role in the stories
humanity tells about itself. But how can we compare Medieval historical writing –
with its naturalistic narratives of fairies, demons, and monsters – with present-day
written and film fiction concerning vampires, aliens, and ghosts? What are today’s
readers to make of Medieval texts of a consciously fictional nature? Even in 12th
Century Britain, the serious author Gerald of Wales could criticise his earlier contemporary
Geoffrey of Monmouth for writing lies, yet Gerald himself delights in tales of demons
and enchantment. Film and literature’s fascination with the supernatural is no less
complex today: Whether ‘weird fiction’, Hollywood’s fairy tale reboots, ancient evils
of Lovecraftian horror, literary mysticism, the vampires and werewolves of the Twilight
books and movies, or the vengeful ghosts and giant monsters that wreak habitual destruction
in Japanese cinema, popular culture has never been more magical.
Talks, exhibits, and excursions.
29-30 March will feature presentations by academic delegates on the subject of the
supernatural in literature and film. It will also be possible to hear talks from
the conference Folk Belief and Traditions of the Supernatural. There will also be
talks and readings by authors of supernatural fiction as well as the possibility
of purchasing books and films at exhibition tables.
On 31 March, delegates will have the opportunity to take part in excursions outside
of the town of Lerwick and other events.
Attendance, call for papers, & presentations.
Any interested individuals may attend the conference by registering here.
If you are interested in giving an academic presentation, please send an abstract
(150-200 words) and biography (max. 100 words) to the convenor Adam Grydehøj at agrydehoj@islanddynamics.org.
All abstracts are subject to peer review, and selected papers will be collected for
publication. Note that the oral presentations on 29-30 March will be delivered to
a mixed audience of academics and non-academics. Proposals for organised panels of
three to four presentations are welcome: To propose a panel, please e-mail the convenor
abstracts and biographies for all of the papers in the proposed panel.
If you are interested in giving a talk as a practitioner (author or filmmaker) and/or
in having your products for sale in the exhibitors’ area, please contact Adam Grydehøj
at agrydehoj@islanddynamics.org for details.
The final deadline for abstracts/proposals is 1 October 2013, but to take advantage
of early registration rates, you must submit your abstract by 1 June 2013 at the
latest.
