Call for papers!

We are excited to announce that AGE-C: Ageing and Gender in European Cinema is co-organizing the 2025 SERCIA Conference, dedicated to exploring age and ageing in Anglophone and European cinema. The event will take place from September 3–5, 2025, at Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, in collaboration with the Faculty of Theatre and Film (FTF) and the Faculty of European Studies (FES).

The conference will explore how cinema reflects and redefines ageing in a time of significant demographic shifts. How does the “greying” of cinema mirror an ageing society? How do films and television series represent older characters, challenge age-related stereotypes, or negotiate career longevity for industry professionals? These are some of the critical questions that will guide our discussions.

Keynote Speakers

Renowned scholars Raphaëlle Moine (Sorbonne Nouvelle University) and Tony Tracy (University of Galway) will deliver keynote lectures addressing these themes.

Call for Papers

We welcome contributions on topics including:

• Industries of ageing in film and television: Casting, career trajectories, audience demographics, and industry policies on age representation.
• Narratives of ageing: From arthouse cinema to mainstream productions, how does cinema represent old age across different genres and historical contexts?
• Intersectionality, gender, and ageing: How do race, class, sexuality, and gender impact portrayals of ageing?
• Creative ageing in film and television: Comebacks, reimagining ageing stars, and industry shifts in portraying older actors.
• Cinematic aesthetics and ageing: How do films and series visually and narratively engage with ageing as a process?

We invite scholars to submit a 300-word abstract and a 100-word bio by April 30, 2025, to andrea.virginas@ubbcluj.ro and boglarka.farkas@ubbcluj.ro. The preliminary program will be circulated from May 15, 2025.

Registration requires active SERCIA membership and a 65 EUR fee, which covers the conference package, refreshments, buffet lunch, and Wi-Fi access. Additionally, there will be an optional conference dinner and a post-conference excursion to the Apuseni Mountains, allowing participants to experience Transylvania’s scenic beauty.

For travel information, Cluj-Napoca’s regional airport connects to major European hubs, and the city offers accommodation options ranging from boutique hotels to student housing.

We look forward to welcoming you in Cluj-Napoca for an engaging exploration of cinema, ageing, and cultural change!

For full details, refer to the Call for Papers attached below.

Written by: Olena Gepper

Image and video credits: Canva.com