Subtext, Dawson's Film and Media Journal

Subtext

Subtext is the official film journal of Dawson College’s Cinema & Communications department. Written, edited, and curated by students, the journal showcases critical and creative responses to cinema and media culture. From essays and reviews to interviews and visual work, Subtext reflects the diverse voices and perspectives of emerging writers and thinkers in our program.

Published online twice a year, the journal offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with film analysis, explore contemporary media issues, and participate in the editorial process. Contributions are open to current Cinema & Communications students, and the project is overseen by faculty advisors in collaboration with a student editorial team.

Each semester, outstanding written work published in Subtext is recognized with the Cheryl Simon Writing Award, presented at the Dawson Film Festival. Nominated by instructors and evaluated by a jury, this award celebrates excellence in student writing about film and media, highlighting thorough analysis, coherent writing, and thoughtful insight .

Explore the latest issue or browse the archive at subtextjournal.ca.

Current Issue: Fall 2024

The Fall 2024 issue of Subtext delves into themes of power, identity, and imagination through a diverse array of student analyses and creative works. Highlights include:

  • Class and Capitalism: An examination of the films Parasite and The Menu explores anti-capitalist narratives and class disparities in contemporary cinema. 
  • Gender and Queer Representation: A video essay titled Poor Things: A Feminist Analysis offers a feminist perspective on Yorgos Lanthimos’s film. 
  • Additionally, Seen and Not Seen: 1960s and 1970s American Gender Politics discusses queer representation and gender politics through the lens of horror. 
  • Memory and Intimacy: An analysis of Aftersun delves into themes of depression, connection, and detachment, illustrating how these are portrayed through the film’s unique narrative style.
  • Ecocinema and Anthropocentrism: The award-winning essay Anthropocentrism in Grizzly Man and La Pieuvre critiques human-centered perspectives in nature documentaries. 
  • Cultural Identity and Technology: Organic Futures: Intersecting Tradition, Technology, and Asian Identities in After Yang explores the interplay between cultural heritage and technological advancement. 
  • Imagination and Childhood: The Power of Wild Imagination reflects on childlike imagination through the lens of Where the Wild Things Are. 

Explore the full issue and discover more at subtextjournal.ca/fall-2024

Submit your work or join the Subtext team!

Subtext is always looking for thoughtful, original work created by students in the Cinema & Communications department—especially essays, reviews, and video essays developed for class. If you’re passionate about film and media and want to see your work published, we encourage you to submit!

We also welcome volunteers who are interested in helping behind the scenes. Whether you’re into editing, design, outreach, or just want to be part of a collaborative publishing project, there’s a role for you on the Subtext team.

For submission guidelines, deadlines, and ways to get involved, visit subtextjournal.ca