Call For Proposals

#IFM2025 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

RESONANCES

June 10-13, 2025, Online

Hosted by Toronto Metropolitan University (Canada), Technological University of the Shannon (Ireland), The University of Texas at Dallas (USA), NYU Abu-Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), University of York (UK), Hobart and William Smith Colleges (USA), NOVA University of Lisbon (Portugal), Kingston University (UK), and

The 7th Interactive Film and Media Conference is excited to announce its Call for Proposals centered around the captivating and multifaceted theme of “Resonances.”

Resonance is the ability to form deep, meaningful connections that provoke thoughts, evoke emotions, and stimulate the senses through personal images and memories, often drawing on an individual or community’s lived experiences. This concept is intrinsically linked to the dailiness of our lives—our routine encounters and personal interactions that shape our subjective cognitions and the associations we form with others. In our contemporary society, the increasing pace of life challenges our ability to engage in deep, interpersonal connections, leading to a decline in the meaningfulness of our communications. Yet, through these daily interactions, resonance finds its most potent expression. 

Interactive film and media offer a unique lens through which we can confront our world, contemplate the nature of our relationships, and carefully observe its intricacies. Resonance is not just about aligning with the context, content, and audience but also about listening and connecting on a level that acknowledges the everyday rhythms that bind us. As we reflect on the type of experiences we engender each day, we must explore how we can foster profound and substantial connections with our peers. What kind of day are we creating, what kind of web of relationships can we construct, and how can we resonate together as vibrant matter? Resonance, imagined through the prism of dailiness, invites us to consider whether and why stories produced and shared may align (or not) with the predispositions of the intended audience and what other dimensions of cultural and social resonance may serve as sites of reflection. Does resonance in our daily lives solve problems, aggravate them, or generate new issues? How can we reimagine resonance to build more meaningful connections in the fabric of our everyday existence, and how can these connections influence our responses to crises, foster resilience, nurture solidarities, and strengthen collective actions?

Response: Amidst crises—war, environmental degradation, inequity—our future remains unstable, and our lives are often uncontrollable. The challenge lies in forming a thoughtful response. How do we decide our stance, choose between hope and despair, and navigate the balance between being reactive and responsive? How does one respond?

Resilience: Engaged media work demands resilience to confront the chaos and cruelty of the 21st century. How do we sustain vision, adapt to new processes, and build resilient media practices? Can resilience be a form of resistance and build multi-vocal communities, and what structures support this effort?

Solidarities: Globalization’s impacts are felt in environmental, economic, and cultural arenas, often perpetuating stereotypes and Western dominance. How can we create solidarities across social differences that challenge these narratives? How can grassroots movements replace institutional discourses, fostering discomforting yet necessary change?

Collective: In a divided, isolated society, yet one that is hyper-connected, collective action is essential. How can collective activities and a sense of belonging deepen our shared experiences? What media practices can cultivate affective collectivity that challenges the status quo and fosters alternative futures?

The #IFM2025 Resonances Conference aligns with the core themes of meaningful connection, daily interactions, and the transformative role of media in shaping our understanding of the world. We are seeking submissions that critically engage with these themes, pushing the boundaries of traditional thought and practice to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse in interactive film and media. 

INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE FACILITATORS (TBA)

The Interactive Dialogue Sessions, conceived by Professor Patty Zimmermann, are crafted to foster participant engagement through focused daily discussions centered around one of the conference themes. Each day, a prominent scholar or practitioner will lead the discussions, bringing diverse perspectives and insights. These sessions will also provide an opportunity for participants to share their views and profiles, setting the stage for dynamic and meaningful exchanges and networking.

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CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

We invite academics (faculty, researchers, and Ph.D. students) from a range of disciplines—including media, communication, film, digital studies, visual arts, and beyond—along with practitioners such as filmmakers, artists, VR and game designers, and media producers to submit their proposals for papers, research-creation projects, and new book presentations. While proposals that align with this year’s theme are encouraged, we welcome any topics that resonate with the IFM community and its broad intellectual and creative spectrum.

PAPER ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

To submit your abstract (500 words long, including the research objectives, theoretical framework, methodology, and hypotheses) and a brief Bio-CV (150-200 words), please download the application form here: IFM2025 Paper Presentation Form and submit it to the section  ‘conference paper abstract’ at the #IFM Journal’s Submissions system by the deadline.

RESEARCH CREATION SUBMISSION

For research creation and artist/collective project presentation proposals, complete the form, including description, research objectives, theoretical framework and methodology, and a brief Bio-CV (150-200 words for each participant/author). Please download the application form here:  IFM2025 Research Creation Form and submit it to the section  ‘research creation presentation’ at the #IFM Journal’s Submissions system by the deadline.

NEW BOOK SUBMISSION

For those interested in participating in the book session to showcase their new book releases and the publication discussion workshop, please complete the form, including a description of your book and a brief Bio-CV (150-200 words for each author). Please download the application form here:  IFM2025 New Book Session Form and submit it to the section  ‘new book presentation’ at the #IFM Journal’s Submissions system by the deadline.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:

Hudson Moura, Chair (Ryerson University, Canada)

Stefano Odorico, Co-Chair (Technological University of the Shannon, Ireland)

Heidi Rae Cooley (The University of Texas at Dallas, USA)

Dale Hudson (NYU Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

Jenna Ng (University of York, UK)

Leah Shafer (Hobart and William Smith Colleges, USA)

Marta Fiolic (NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal)

Il Sun Moon (Kingston University, UK)

Logan Acton (The University of Texas at Dallas, USA)

Sonali Sharma (Jamia Millia University, India)

FULL FREE ADMISSION

No fee is charged for presentation and attendance at this conference or publication in the journal. 

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY AND EQUITY

At IFM, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment. We prioritize accessibility, gender parity, ethnic diversity, and LGBTQ+ inclusion in our work. We encourage applicants to align with these values and contribute to creating a welcoming and empowering space for all. Get familiar with Our Commitments.

Subscribe to the  #IFM list group to be updated on our deadlines and informed about our new endeavors. 

INTERACTIVE FILM AND MEDIA JOURNAL

More info: https://journals.library.torontomu.ca/index.php/InteractiveFilmMedia/IFM2025

Contact email: [email protected]