Jara Fernandez-Meneses

Jara Fernandez-Meneses is a Lecturer in Film at the University of Southampton, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Department of Film. She joined the university in 2022 and is actively contributing to teaching and research in film policy, the film industry, contemporary European cinema, and popular culture.

• University: University of Southampton
• School: Faculty of Arts and Humanities
• Department: Department of Film
• Academic Rank: Lecturer

Her research focuses on the intersection of film policy, gender, and cultural industries, particularly in Spain and Europe. She explores how digital platforms, festivals, and institutional frameworks shape cinematic production and reception. Her work engages with contemporary debates on streaming, cultural distinction, and the sustainability of film criticism.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in analyzing Spanish cinema through the lenses of policy, gender, and digital transformation. She has authored and co-authored books on Spanish film policies and gender, directorial practices, and SVoD platform strategies. Her articles and conference papers examine regional identities, popular culture, and the evolving role of film criticism in the digital age.

Jara Fernandez-Meneses is currently supervising PhD student Zimo Zhang and accepts new PhD applications. She has previously taught at the University of Exeter, University of Kent, and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

She is a member of the Centre for International Film Research at Southampton and collaborates with the TECMERIN research group at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Her external roles include film curation, criticism for Cahiers du Cinéma España and Serie B, project management at ICAA, and advisory roles for Proimagenes Colombia and international film festivals.