Analyzing Concepts and Forms of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Animated Features from Five Countries: Japan, France, Ireland, USA, and Thailand

Abstract

The integration of cultural heritage in animated films has indeed sparked significant discussions among both audiences and professionals within the animation industry. Critics argue that relying on cultural elements can constrict storytelling possibilities and limit creative expression. However, the researcher posits that this incorporation can serve as a bridge to universality in narrative while preserving the distinctiveness of each animated piece. This research paper aims to analyze the concepts and forms of cultural heritage in five animated films: 1) Kirikou and the Men and Women (Ocelot, 2012) from France, 2) The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Takahata, 2013) from Japan, 3) Song of the Sea (Moore, 2014) from Ireland, 4) Coco (Unkrich, 2017) from USA, and 5) The Legend of Muay Thai: 9 Satra (Kornsri et al., 2018). This research focuses on how these animated films embody and express intangible cultural heritage. The theoretical framework encompasses post-human anthropology, the concept of storytelling in film, and intertextuality theory. This qualitative research adopts a textual analysis approach. The findings show that each animated film reflects a multi-naturalness in its thematic content, revealing the interaction and connection between humans and non-human entities. The characters portray multi-species representation. Intertextuality concerning intangible cultural heritage is revealed through the following approaches: content structure, characters, conflict resolution mechanisms, and settings. The researcher identified two forms of presenting cultural heritage: 1) Artistic Presentation: this form presents cultural heritage through art direction, emphasizing stylistic elements; 2) Cultural Embedment in Content: the second form creates relationships with the culture and lifestyle embedded in the content. The results of the research conclude that cultural heritage is a significant factor that contributes to the uniqueness of these animated films. The nuanced portrayal of cultural elements not only enhances storytelling but also fosters a deeper appreciation of the intangible heritage inherent in each culture.