This special issue of Northern Lights focuses on the ‘Female Trajectory’. The goal of this collection is two-fold: presentation and interpretation of narrative plots (in film/fiction/popular culture/new media, etc).

How is the female figure presented in various historical periods and how it is reflected from a feminist point of view (post-feminism, eco-feminism, etc.)? Furthermore, having in mind the well-known historical determination of female destiny, the idea of this issue is to present and analyze the unique, exciting female stories, which reflect Virginia Woolf’s statement: ‘It is the transfiguring light that distinguishes one experience from another happening from experience; it is life itself before the thought has shaped it’ (V. Woolf 1959). The ‘feminine’ is universal and yet transitory, and it can be expressed only by brittle half-phrases, symbols, and poetry (Woolf 1959).

Going beyond the stereotyped roles of women (symbolic violence), we encourage authors to find and analyze exciting, unexpected female trajectories, which defy existing facts. Case studies are especially welcome. The critical analysis of victimization and victims can contribute to our understanding of not only classic fairy-tale heroines but also their modern media-produced simulacra, which reproduce similarly powerless representations of women (Bachilega 1992).

Recent post-feminist studies reveal the deeply rooted medieval and early modern parameters (cf. Topić and Cunha 2022). According to Topić and Cunha, ‘when it comes to the portrayal of military women and the military has historically been associated with patriarchy and male domination, it seems that a post-feminist discourse emerges in which women can be both feminine and masculine, however, this points back to works that speak of blokish women and the fact women have to embrace cultural masculinity to succeed in what is apparently still a man’s world’ (Topić and Cunha 2022: 5).

This special issue is particularly interested in explorations of female trajectories in the fields of folkloristics, ethnology, cultural studies, and sociology, and in giving the historical and contemporary context of the discussed topics. Inter- and transdisciplinary research is particularly encouraged.

We welcome original research articles that explore the following topics (but are not limited to):

  • Interplay between folklore and film and media studies
  • Mythical power of the feminine
  • Female reflection in traditional lore and new media
  • Female warriors in folklore
  • Post-feminism and eco-feminism reflections in film and media

Authors are invited to submit original academic articles and newly written papers in English.

All articles submitted should be original work and must not be under consideration by other publications.

Publication Timeline

1 March 2024, abstract due (150 words)

1 November 2024, full manuscript due (8000 words)

Publication: Spring 2025

Please send an abstract, along with a brief bio, in the same file, to the Guest Editor Dr Lidija Stojanović (lidijast@ukim.edu.mk) and the Editor in Chief (mtopic@ua.edu).

Web: cstonline.netwww.intellectbooks.com/northern-lights-film-media-studies-yearbook#call-for-papers