Call for Contributions: 22 Years of El Pampero Cine: Trailblazing Independent Cinema in Argentina 22 years ago, a group of visionary Argentine filmmakers came together under the banner of El Pampero Cine, breathing new life into the world of independent Argentine cinema. Since then, these cinematic mavericks have annually graced us with their innovative perspective, surprising us with their creations, and enriching both the cinematic landscape and Argentina itself. They have weathered economic and cultural storms, coexisted with fellow creative minds, and graced prestigious film festivals worldwide. Yet, their remarkable achievements have not received the global recognition they truly deserve. El Pampero Cine – founded in 2002 by Mariano Llinás, Laura Citarella, Agustín Mendilaharzu, and Alejo Moguilansky – stands as a beacon of artistic experimentation in filmmaking. Renowned for their unconventional, low-budget approach, they emerged alongside the “Nuevo Cine Argentino” movement, challenging conventions and embracing audacious experimentation. Their films are mainly characterized by lengthy narratives, intricate storytelling, and a distinctive brand of humour. All four members collaborate across all aspects of filmmaking, from writing and directing to producing and acting, giving their works a singular and unified essence. Operating outside the traditional film industry, El Pampero Cine shuns reliance on state funding or mainstream distribution channels. They utilize their own resources, innovative methods, and online platforms to connect with audiences worldwide. Although El Pampero Cine has followed an unconventional trajectory, their films have garnered critical acclaim and a multitude of awards at international festivals, affirming their stature in the global cinematic arena. However, despite these accolades and their notable presence at renowned film festivals, the full extent of El Pampero Cine’s impact and recognition among critics and cinephiles around the world has yet to be fully acknowledged and explored. In an era of evolving cinematic experiences, Senses of Cinema proudly presents a special dossier dedicated to El Pampero Cine, celebrating their contributions to Argentine independent cinema. This collection seeks to delve into the unique cinematic language and innovative approaches that define El Pampero Cine, exploring the works of key figures such as Moguillansky, Citarella, Llinás, and Mendilaharzu. This dossier aims to unravel their creative process, the collaborative synergy among the filmmakers, and their artful blurring of the lines between fiction and reality. As we celebrate two decades of El Pampero Cine’s influential presence in cinema, we reflect on their journey from the groundbreaking Balnearios (Mariano Llinás, 2002) to the recent Trenque Lauquen (Laura Citarella, 2023). Their unwavering commitment to artistic integrity, independent production, and narrative innovation has not only reshaped independent filmmaking but also captivated audiences on a global scale. This dossier transcends mere academic discourse; it is a heartfelt tribute to a collective that has consistently pushed the boundaries of cinema. We are also open to any unique approach that aptly addresses and discusses the achievements of El Pampero Cine. We invite you to contribute your insights, critiques, and admiration for El Pampero Cine, and join us in celebrating their cinematic odyssey. Call for Abstracts To contribute to this exciting project, we seek abstracts that offer fresh, critical insights into the work of El Pampero Cine. Submit a 300-word abstract outlining your proposed article, including a suggested title, central argument, relevance to our readership, and any previous publications. Email your abstracts to Hamed Sarrafi, the guest editor, at hsarrafizadeh@gmail.com. Adhere to the Senses of Cinema Style Guide for your final submission. By submitting a proposal, authors agree to the terms and conditions set out in our Writers’ Agreement. Please note that at this stage, we are only seeking abstracts and not full articles. If your proposal is selected, you will be invited to submit a complete work between 1000 and 4000 words. Themes and Topics for Exploration Influence and Style: El Pampero Cine’s impact on and contributions to the Argentine independent cinema scene. Narrative and Thematic Exploration: Dissecting the themes, narratives, and stylistic elements in the films of the collective’s key figures. Survival and Innovation: Strategies used by El Pampero Cine to navigate and thrive in the global cinema landscape. Sociopolitical Reflections: How their films mirror and critique societal, political, and cultural dynamics. Artistic Collaborations: The influence of their interactions with theatre groups and other artistic collectives on Argentine cinema. Cultural and Literary Influences in El Pampero Cine’s Storytelling: Analysing the impact of Argentine cultural heritage, local traditions, and literature on the collective’s narrative style and themes. Interplay between Argentine Independent Cinema and Latin American Filmmaking: Exploring cross-cultural influences and dialogues between El Pampero Cine, other Argentine filmmakers, and filmmakers across Latin America. Comparative Analysis of Independent Filmmakers in 21st Century Argentine Cinema: Examining the contributions and distinct approaches of other significant independent filmmakers in Argentina, and their relation to El Pampero Cine. Examining the Global Reach of Argentine Independent Cinema: Investigating how El Pampero Cine and Argentine independent cinema are perceived and influential in the international film scene. The Evolution of Narrative Forms in Contemporary Argentine Cinema: Discussing the innovation in narrative techniques within Argentine cinema, particularly the influence of El Pampero Cine’s experimental storytelling. Key Dates Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 March 2024 Notification of Acceptance: 1 April 2024 Final Article Submission: 1 June 2024 Articles in Spanish and French are welcome and will be translated into English if approved. As the world turns to art for inspiration, El Pampero Cine stands as a testament to the enduring power of independent cinema. We eagerly anticipate a diverse array of perspectives that will illuminate the multifaceted world of El Pampero Cine and its significance in contemporary cinema. For inquiries, please contact Hamed Sarrafi at the aforementioned email address.
