Journal of African Cinemas

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Critical Discourse in African Filmmaking

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of African Cinemas information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Journal of African Cinemas, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1754-9221
PublisherINTELLECT LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2017 to 2023
AbbreviationJ AFR CINE / J. Afr. Cine.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressTHE MILL, PARNALL RD, BRISTOL BS16 3JG, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of African Cinemas serves as a vital platform for exploring the multifaceted dimensions of cinema in Africa, emphasizing both historical and contemporary perspectives. It aims to promote scholarly dialogue on various aspects of African cinema, including its cultural, social, and political implications.
  1. Cultural Representation and Identity:
    The journal focuses on how African cinema represents cultural identities, narratives, and experiences, examining the interplay between film and societal issues such as colonialism, nationalism, and gender.
  2. Historical Contextualization:
    It emphasizes the historical development of African cinema, tracing its evolution from early filmmaking to contemporary practices, and how these reflect broader societal changes.
  3. Critical Film Analysis:
    The journal provides critical analyses of films, exploring themes such as representation, genre, and cinematic techniques, contributing to a deeper understanding of the artistic and technical aspects of African cinema.
  4. Transnational Perspectives:
    A significant aspect of the journal is its focus on transnational cinema, examining how African films engage with global narratives and aesthetics while maintaining local relevance.
  5. Film Festivals and Industry Dynamics:
    The journal also addresses the role of film festivals, market dynamics, and the evolving landscape of film production and distribution within Africa.
The Journal of African Cinemas is currently witnessing exciting trends and emerging themes that reflect the dynamic nature of African cinema. This section outlines the areas gaining traction in recent publications, highlighting their significance.
  1. Intersectionality in Cinema:
    Recent publications increasingly explore intersectional themes, particularly how race, gender, and class intersect in cinematic narratives, reflecting a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and representation.
  2. Documentary and Participatory Cinema:
    There is a growing focus on documentary filmmaking and participatory cinema, emphasizing how these forms can empower communities and provide platforms for marginalized voices.
  3. Digital Media and New Platforms:
    The rise of digital media and streaming platforms has become a significant theme, exploring how these developments are reshaping the production, distribution, and consumption of African films.
  4. Critical Engagement with Film Festivals:
    An emerging trend is the critical examination of film festivals as spaces for cultural exchange and dialogue, particularly focusing on their role in shaping narratives and showcasing diverse African voices.
  5. Queer Cinema and LGBTQ+ Representation:
    There is a marked increase in the exploration of queer cinema and LGBTQ+ representation in African films, indicating a shift towards more inclusive storytelling and recognition of diverse sexual identities.

Declining or Waning

As the Journal of African Cinemas evolves, certain themes appear to be diminishing in prominence. This section highlights areas that have seen a decline in focus, suggesting a shift in the journal's research priorities.
  1. Early Cinema History:
    While early cinema in Africa has been addressed, recent publications indicate a waning interest in this area, possibly due to a shift towards more contemporary issues and narratives in African cinema.
  2. Traditional Gender Roles:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in discussions specifically centered on traditional gender roles in cinema, as the focus has shifted towards more nuanced explorations of gender and sexuality in contemporary contexts.
  3. Static Cultural Narratives:
    The journal has seen less emphasis on static cultural narratives that do not engage with evolving societal issues, reflecting a broader trend towards dynamic and intersectional analyses.
  4. Censorship Discussions:
    Discussions surrounding censorship in African cinema, while still relevant, have become less frequent, indicating a potential shift towards more proactive engagement with representation and autonomy in filmmaking.
  5. Local vs. Global Tensions:
    The tension between local and global narratives, although still significant, appears to be less emphasized, suggesting a movement towards integrating these discussions within broader themes of transnational cinema.

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