Southampton’s Centre for International Film Research (CIFR) serves to showcase the University’s research excellence in Film Studies and other screen media, while also engaging wider communities through public events, visiting speakers, and research initiatives.
Recent major research projects investigated by CIFR members include:
- the AHRC-funded ‘Calling the Shots: Women and Contemporary Film Culture in the UK, 2000-2015’
- the ERC-funded ‘STUDIOTEC: Film Studios: Infrastructure, Culture, Innovation in Britain, France, Germany and Italy, 1930-60’
These projects have deepened our understanding of film history and the film industry in the UK and Europe, past and present, and have helped shape film policy with respect to equality and diversity.
Our activities include collaborations with several partner organisations. Among these are regular contributions to exciting audio-visual events at Turner Sims, located on the Highfield Campus, including introductions and talks at silent film screenings as well as the highly successful Silent Film Fortnight held in 2018 as part of the University’s ‘Great War: Unknown War’ programme, which presented rare silent films with live music.
We work with other local venues such as Harbour Lights cinema in Southampton, and our members frequently collaborate with national organisations, such as the British Film Institute in London, and make media appearances in the press, radio, television and online.