Cultural studies analyses of film demonstrate that fictional cinematic representation interacts closely with social debates. Media images reflect lived family constellations and influence how family life is perceived and shaped.
Cinematic images of the family are crucial sites of social negotiation, where religiously sanctioned ideals of the family are adopted, adapted and alienated. Cultural history shows us that ideas about the family are inextricably linked to religious symbol systems. This interaction is reflected in contemporary film: symbols, narratives, practices and associated normative ideas are embraced, disseminated and often challenged.
Our methodology is based on neo-formalist film analysis and a film corpus that includes European auteur films and major international productions from the end of the 20th century to the present day.
On the one hand, current cinematic images of the family will be examined through in-depth individual studies focusing on different genres such as horror, drama or science fiction. On the other hand, a specialist conference and a public film series will provide an overview of themes and trends in the portrayal of family and the negotiation of religious references.
