Dr. Laura Mcmahon

Biography

Laura McMahon is an Associate Professor in Film Screen Studies at the University of Cambridge, specializing in connections between film philosophy, particularly within French Francophone contexts. Her research focuses on the relations of cinema to decolonial and feminist ecocritical approaches. Currently, she is working on a project that explores the recent feminist remediations of archives, including ethnographic films, newsreels, and home movies, aiming to reframe histories through critical repurposing and speculative reimagining. McMahon's projects address contemporary moving image practices, particularly in documentary filmmaking, while exploring the works of various influential filmmakers. Her notable publications include 'Disordering Archives: Onyeka Igwe Black Feminist Speculative Histories' and contributions to forthcoming works on women’s film heritage. Additionally, she investigates the politics and philosophy of moving images, drawing on the works of significant thinkers. McMahon has also edited collections and produced significant contributions to understanding animal representation in film. Her academic approach intertwines with themes of embodiment and the materiality of cinema, focusing on the sensory experiences of films and the dynamics of community and touch. She invites inquiries from potential MPhil and PhD students whose research aligns with her interests.

Research Interests

Experience