Journal of Religion & Film

We encourage multiple approaches to the study of religion and film, including (but not limited to) the analysis of how religious traditions are portrayed in films; exploration of the religious concepts that may be found or utilized in the interpretation of films; study of how the religious ideals and background of the filmmakers may have influenced them; and analysis of how films themselves may operate “religiously” for viewers. We seek to create better understandings of both religion and film through the study of their mutual encounter and interactions.

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The 2027 International Conference on Religion & Film

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Journal of Religion & Film

Hosted by the University of Nebraska Omaha

Sponsored by the Journal of Religion & Film and Department of Theology, Creighton University

In 1997, Professors William Blizek and Ron Burke founded the Journal of Religion & Film, the first fully online journal focused on scholarly inquiry into the intersection of religion and film. Now, 30 years later, the Journal has developed into one of the most highly regarded publications in the field. With more than 300,000 downloads annually and readers from almost every country on earth, the journal has had an impact on international scholarship by providing free and open access to its articles and film reviews for scholars, students, and filmmakers.

Our reviewers have attended the Sundance Film Festival for more than 20 years, enabling us to publish reviews of many independent films which premiered there. We have expanded to include coverage of the Toronto International Film Festival as well as SXSW. The Journal also sponsored the International Conference on Religion & Film held in Omaha, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Toronto, Halifax, Boston, Syracuse and Hollywood. We are now returning to Omaha to celebrate our 30th year, and we invite you to participate in this special event.

Call for Papers

Conference Theme: The Study and Teaching of Religion and Film,

The International Conferences on Religion & Film are held to foster intellectual stimulation, build networks, and advance scholarship related to Religion and Film Studies. Every conference invites papers that explore the intersection of religion and film through the analysis of individual films, genre studies, religious themes in films, the representation of religion in film, and functionalistic approaches to film as religion. This year, we especially encourage proposals that consider the history of the field, particularly how the study and teaching of religion and film have evolved as well as how they may develop in the future.

Proposals that offer creative pedagogical strategies for teaching religion and film, along with assessment of teaching methods and their results, will receive priority. We also encourage proposals that deal with underrepresented peoples and religions, especially the Indigenous religions of Native American and First Nations peoples.

Please submit a 350-word abstract of your proposal by February 10, 2027, to mblizek@unomaha.edu with the subject line “International Religion and Film Conference 2027, Omaha submission.”

Please include two documents:

1. your anonymous 350-word abstract;
2. a document with your name and institution.

Your abstract will undergo academic blind peer-review. Paper acceptances will be announced by March 1, 2027.

Registration

Early bird (due April 15): $200; After April 15, $250.

Information on registration and housing will be available at the conference website.

For further questions, contact John Lyden at johnlyden@gmail.com or jlyden@unomaha.edu