Call for Papers: ASPERA Annual Conference 2026

Theme: Sustainable Screens

Dates: 23-25 November 2026

Location: Curtin University, School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry https://www.curtin.edu.au/

Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday June 22^nd , 2026

Contact: conference@aspera.org.au

“The production of a film is a collective effort, a collaboration of minds and spirits. To make it sustainable, we must not only protect our resources but nurture the creative environment that allows the workforce to thrive and the work to endure.” –Agnes Varda

As screen industries navigate rapid technological, cultural, environmental and geopolitical change, sustainability has become the critical challenge shaping the future viability of screen production and education.

The ASPERA 2026 conference explores sustainability, inviting researchers, educators and practitioners to examine how screen media production research, and learning and teaching strategies, can support ecological responsibility, ethical innovation, inclusive creative practices, and socially engaged storytelling across diverse contexts.

We ask,

• How can the screen industries adapt to ecological change while sustaining creative possibility?

  
  

• What does sustainable screen production look like in an era of GenAI, automation and digital disruption?

  
  

• How can screen education cultivate resilience, ethical practices, flexible and adaptable practitioners able to adjust to constant change?

  
  

• How can screen storytelling contribute to sustainable cultural, social and community change?

  
  

We invite scholars, practitioner and educators to submit abstracts for presentations on key themes/perspectives including (but not limited to):

• New Directions in Film Production Research

• Sustainable and Ethical Screen Practices

• Teaching and Learning Design and Innovations

• Inclusive Storytelling & Diverse Creative Pedagogies

• Workforce, Industry and Policy Challenges

• Emerging Screen Forms

• Geopolitical Contexts and Transitions

Submission Guidelines: 

Abstract submissions due: Monday 22^nd June to conference@aspera.org.au  

Individual or co-presented research papers (up to 20 minutes) 

Please submit a 300-word abstract (in PDF format) outlining your proposed paper and a short bio (100 words). 

Themed panels - presentations for 90mins - Panels of 3 x 20mins OR 4 x 15mins thematically linked solo or co-presented research papers followed by questions. 

Please submit a single 400-word abstract (in PDF format) outlining panel theme and proposed papers and a short bio (100 words) for each presenter.

Roundtable - discussions for 90 minutes - led by a chair bringing together 4 to 6 participants (including the chair as a participant if speaking as well as chairing) to offer short (up to 6 minute) position statements to lead discussion. The roundtable will be designed to create a discussion forum. The format is flexible and can be adapted to allow members of the roundtable to introduce exercises or other activities. 

Please submit a 400-word abstract (in PDF format) outlining your proposed panel and a short bio (100 words) for each participant.

Practice-based research presentations (up to 20mins) Please submit a 300-word abstract (in PDF form) outlining your type of presentation, any specific technical needs for the presentation (AV, internet access) and short bio (100 words). Work-in-progress and presentations on practice by HDR candidates are encouraged.

Workshops, masterclasses or demonstrations (up to 60mins)                                  

Please submit a 300-word abstract (in PDF form) indicating if your proposal is a workshop, masterclass or demonstration and the session focus, objectives, and format. Clearly state what participants will learn or achieve by attending the session. Other considerations are methods or techniques to be used (i.e. hands-on activities, group work, live demonstrates, interactive). Include any specific needs (AV, space requirements, internet access) and short bio (100 words).          

Industry- Academic collaborative sessions (up to 20mins) Sessions aimed at bridging the gap between industry practice and academic research, fostering dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaborative problem solving. Address a sustainability challenge or opportunity within the film industry and tertiary sector that can lead to innovation solutions. Proposals should outline the details of the collaboration, such as co-design, training initiatives, technology advancement or policy development. Please submit a 300-word abstract and the format (workshop, panel, demonstration etc.) Include any specific needs (AV, space requirements, internet access) and short bio (100 words).                                                                               

 Key Dates: 

• Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday 22 June 2026 

• Notification of Acceptance: Monday 27^th July 2026 

• Conference Dates: Monday 23^rd November – Wednesday 25^th November 2026 

For inquiries and further information, please contact: 

Dr Kerreen Ely-Harper  

School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry  

Curtin University, Perth, Australia 

conference@aspera.org.au 

www.aspera.org.au