February theme: Past and Present of Independent Animation
Deadline: January 18, 2021

Our next theme is devoted to independent animated works and practices. How have independently produced animations contributed to the development of this medium and how do they contribute today? Which are the production practices of independent animators? Which their ethics and politics? And how have they changed with the passing of decades? In what relationship is the independent animated production with mainstream one? Do specific socio-political, cultural, or geographical contexts impact the development of independent animation? These are only some of the questions we would like to find answers to with this theme. We thus invite posts looking from any perspective at the current state of independent animation as well as at the history of this practice.

Topics may include but are not limited to:

  • Defining independent animation;
  • The production practices of independent animators;
  • Emerging independent animators and their role;
  • Ethics and politics of independent animation;
  • Gender, sexuality and independent animation;
  • Race and independent animation;
  • The geography of independent animation;
  • Independent animation and its history;
  • Screening independent animation (distribution practices, festivals, etc.);
  • Promoting and marketing independent animation then and now;
  • Preservation and legacy of independent animation culture.

Posts of between 600 and 900 words, which discuss any aspect of the above topic are welcome. Contributors are encouraged to include clips and at least one image to support their posts. Please also include a short bio and 3 keywords. All permissions are the responsibility of the contributor. Please contact the managing editor Cristina Formenti (cristina.formenti@unimi.it) with submissions or questions.