Thematic Approach

GIRES, the Global Institute for Research Education & Scholarship and the GIRES’ Center for Media and Film Studies  explore the vast history of the Walt Disney Company. 

Commemorating the 100 years from its establishment, we wish to explore as many aspects as possible of this multinational mass media and entertainment empire that altered entertainment, film industry, business approaches and influenced generations of people around the world like not other company the last centuries. 

We hope to answer a spectrum of questions and offer various approaches through the exploration of multiple aspects in order to comprehend the depth of the impact in global economic and business models, the evolution of motion pictures and design, storytelling and through that the effects on numerous generations offering them a window to imaginary worlds. In addition, the exploration of corporate tactics that led to a unique business model that affected not only the United States but served a a unique example for the rest of the world.  

GIRES, dedicated to interdisciplinarity, invites scholars from diverse fields including but not limited to history, business, economics, philosophy, religion, sociology, anthropology, literature, art, business, cultural and political studies along with representatives from think-tanks and organizations to contribute to the discussion and to debate connected issues.

Proposed Topics 

-Walt Disney; life, career and similar topics
-The Disney company: concept, founding and development
-Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphonies
-The Golden age of Animation
-Disney Characters
-Storytelling and scriptwriting
-Books and publications
-Animation techniques, development of technology and patents
-Business model and economic figures, stock markets
-International presence
-Live-action films and television
-Film creation: multiple approaches
-Disney + : The company leading the new era
-The history and legacy of The Walt Disney Company
-Disney’s impact on animation, film, and storytelling
-Theme parks and the Disney experience
-Disney’s cultural influence and nostalgia
-Representation and diversity in Disney narratives
-Disney’s global expansion and cross-cultural adaptations
-Technological innovations and Disney’s digital transformation
-Critical perspectives on Disney’s commercial practices and controversies

Proposed Formats (Lingua franca: English)
-Individual papers (GIRES will included it in a panel)
-Panels (up to 4 presentations-chaired by one of the presenters or appointed by GIRES)
-Roundtable presentations (chaired by one of the presenters or appointed by GIRES)
-Poster presentations
-Student presentations (one paper presented by up to 3 young scholars)
-Keynote speech (depending on the time availability)
-Pre-recorder presentation (s) (Asynchronous Platform)
-Pre-recorder presentation (s) (Synchronous-live- Sessions: live participation of presenter (s) during the Q&A sessions)

Publication Opportunity 
The Organizing Committee and GIRES Press will publish the most powerful and dynamic presentations of the conference and include them
in a collective volume in the form of short articles and/or long essays. For more information please contact us

Live Sessions Recording
All participants have the option to have their presentations recorded (during live sessions) in HD quality. The recordings will be uploaded to GIRES media for unlimited access and dissemination.

Asynchronous Options
All participants have the option to have their presentations (video/audio/text) uploaded to our Virtual Platform. All  registered participants will have access to the material for 5 days.

Our proposed topics & formats are not restrictive and we invite additional germane ideas
Due to the restrictions of Corona Crisis our event (for the time being) will take place VIRTUALLY