Holy Horror: Religion and Modern Horror Films
deadline for submissions: October 15, 2017
full name / name of organization: Racheal Harris – Australian Catholic University & Byron Ware – University of New England
contact email: holyhorror2017@gmail.comCall for Papers, edited collection: Religious themed horror films
The aim of this collection is to consider the themes, characters and content of recent horror films, specifically those which take religion and religious beliefs/rites as their main concepts/focal points. Of particular interest to the collection is how religiously inspired horror films have evolved from within the horror genre. If we consider horror films of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, we note that serial killers, urban legends and nocturnal creatures (such as vampires or werewolves) were the primary characters used for terrifying cinema goers. By contrast, in the modern day it is religion (once turned to for sanctuary, comfort and protection) that has become the source of all terror and evil. We encourage abstracts from all academic backgrounds and from students/researchers at any stage of the academic journey which consider and explore this evolution.
Submission may focus on broad themes or specific films such as those listed below. The list is in no-way exhaustive.
Possible titles could include;
The Conjuring (I & II)
Paranormal Activity
The Possession of Emily Rose
Deliver Us From Evil
Annabelle
The Possession
Haunting on Connecticut
The Skeleton Key
At the Devils Door
The Last Exorcism
The Rite
The Devil Inside
The Possession of Michael King
Lost Souls
The Unborn
Insidious
The Amityville Horror
Ouija
Constantine
Alternatively, concepts might explore;
The recent interest in Ed and Lorraine Warren
Concepts of Possession in general
Depictions of exorcisms
Depictions of Roman Catholicism
Vengeful spirits
The astral plane
Spirit boards
Judaism and the idea of the dybbuk
‘based on a true story’ films
Novel to film adaptations
Once a list of contributors has been established, we will be submitting a proposal to Routledge, in hopes that the book will be published as part of the Advances in Film Studies Series.
Please be aware that a contract has not been offered at this time and the success of this project will rely on the quality of contributions offered. If we are unsuccessful in securing a contract with our intended publisher, we will source a contract with other reputable academic publishers.
Please also be aware that all chapters will be subject to final approval and initial acceptance does not guarantee publication of the finished chapter. We are dedicated to working with you to make your contribution as amazing as it can be, but the overall work will also need to be cohesive. As such, you will need to write with this in mind and have an open mind to perhaps making amendments to content in order to make your contribution cohesive with the larger work.
Abstracts of no more than 500 words and a brief biography of no more than 300 words should be emailed to:
holyhorror2017@gmail.com by 15 October 2017.
We will respond to all submissions by 1 December 2017. Once we have a confirmed list of contributors we will complete the proposal and submit to the publisher. Once we have a contract we will be in touch with successful contributors with an updated timeline.
