Migration, Identity, and Belonging in Italian and Spanish Cinema

Undergraduate / Graduate

Migration has become a central issue in contemporary politics, often used to challenge the forms and values of social organization traditionally associated with modern liberal democracies. Italy and Spain, historically viewed as sources of emigration or destinations for internal migration, are increasingly grappling with the complexities of immigration. This course examines the intersection of immigration and cinema in Italy and Spain, exploring how films have reflected, shaped, and contested discourses on migration, identity, and belonging. Through the lens of cinematic representation, students will engage with themes such as displacement, border politics, nationalism, gender, racialization, and the dynamics of intercultural integration. The course delves into the portrayal of immigrants, refugees, and diasporic communities in film, emphasizing Italy and Spain's distinctive roles as historical crossroads of migration. Topics include post-colonial legacies, these countries' roles as gateways to Europe, and the lived experiences of immigrant communities.