In this talk, Erik Knudsen will explore the changing nature of fear and dread in contemporary European culture and will outline a number of impacts on the creative outputs of young filmmakers and the culture in which they live. He will argue that contemporary versions of fear and dread have become significant inhibiters to the authentic creativity required for independent filmmakers to articulate and express their true feelings, their genuine concerns and their deepest aspirations. Fear and dread's contribution to an estrangement from a sense of purpose and meaning, Erik Knudsen will argue, is a significant factor in the existential crisis felt by particularly younger people. He will further argue that for the creative arts in general, and independent filmmaking in particular, to play a critical role in shaping a purposeful and meaningful engagement with life, creative practitioners need to develop the kind of courage essential to the creative leadership a healthy culture requires.

Language of instruction: English

Coordinated by: Iakovos Panagopoulos