Gloria Paganini

Gloria Paganini serves as Lecturer in Italian Studies at the University of Nantes' Faculty of Foreign Languages and Cultures since 2000, with dual affiliation in the Department of Italian Studies and CRINI (Center for Research on National Identities and Interculturality). She additionally directs the Univerciné Italian film festival (since 2001) and presides over the Univerciné Association uniting four national film festivals (since 2006).

Her academic foundation includes:

• Doctorate in Italian Studies, Sorbonne Nouvelle-Paris 3 (1998)
• DEA in Language/Culture Teaching, University of Paris III (1988)
• Diploma in Language Teaching, University of Paris III (1986)
• Laurea in Philosophy, University of Bologna (1984)

Professor Paganini's research centers on Italy's negotiation of identity through representations of otherness—examining migrants, 'badante' caregivers, and 'New Italians' across social, cinematic, and commercial domains. Her work uniquely connects gender/family studies with analyses of border representations and 'Italian sounding' global marketing phenomena, revealing how national identity is constructed through exclusion and appropriation.

Through CRINI and Univerciné, she bridges academic research with public engagement, using film festivals as living laboratories for intercultural dialogue. Her teaching integrates professional Italian language training with critical analysis of socioeconomic transformations, preparing students to navigate Italy's evolving cultural landscape.