The University Institute for Spanish Cinema of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and the TECMERIN research group are hosting the II International Permanent Seminar "Intersecting Perspectives on Spanish Media." It is intended to become an annual meeting to reflect on Spanish media through an intersectional feminist lens. The theme for this second edition will be "Women and Horror."

Few genres in Spanish cinema and TV enjoy as much popularity both nationally and internationally as horror. Since the 1970s, it has become a barometer of the fears and anxieties of Spanish society, seasoned with its ability to devise imaginative ways to navigate Francoist censorship. In the 21^st century, the heirs of those creators have replicated motifs and archetypes while updating their treatment. Among the main innovations, it is worth highlighting the incorporation of new themes such as environmental degradation, the scarcity of natural resources, and, of course, ideas stemming from the fourth wave of feminism. Thus, the representation of female characters evolves and mutates to embrace the demands of a new generation. The originality and relevance of their proposals are attested by the widespread national and international circulation of Spanish horror films, whether in movie theaters or on platforms.

Although the horror genre and its dominant approaches remain predominantly male, there is a growing number of female directors, writers, and creators committed to redefining the genre through a new sensitivity. Such is the case with Isabel Coixet, Paula Ortiz, Isabel Peña, Carlota Pereda or Alice Waddington. In their works, one can discern a reflection on the conflict between tradition and modernity, identity struggle, and resistance to structural machismo and heteropatriarchy.

This seminar aims to address the relationship between women and horror in Spanish cinema and TV from various perspectives, with special attention to contemporary works, but without overlooking the influence that past works have had on present views in terms of themes, representation, or circulation.

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