CULTURAL IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION IN PAKISTANI ANIMATION

Madiha Jamil
Motion Graphics Lecturer, Dar Al-Hekma University, Saudi Arabia,
madiha.jamil1@gmail.com

Abstract

The customs, culture and traditions of the people of a country are representative of the history, faith, language and environment of that country. Similarly, the cultural patterns of Pakistan speak of its rich cultural heritage and traditions. Pakistan’s popular culture is not only the likeness of the present but also heavily depends on the past. Pakistan’s Mughal architecture, cuisine, textiles, television programs, music etc. are some forms that make up its pop culture. The growth and increased range of available local and foreign media content has raised numerous questions as to the impact and effects it brings towards culture. As a mature International industry and rapidly growing local one, animation films have taken a role in introducing the cultural characteristics of various nations and backgrounds. Animation offers a contested site for identity formation through story-telling, which provides wide audiences with the resources for narrative-creation and imagined communities that can foster collective identities. This article attempts to illuminate how the medium of animation articulates the Cultural identity of Pakistan, through the national history. For this purpose, it analyzes two local animations: Unicorn Black’s Burka Avenger and Teen Bahadur by Wadi Animation and SOC Films. These works are examined, particularly by looking at the gendered, outfitted, linguistic and racial representations. This research intends to dive deeper into designing of characters i-e protagonist, antagonist and supporting characters. The way pre-conceived notions of cultural identities has been represented in the animations. This study will aid in better understanding the complexities of cultural identity reflected in popular media.


Keywords: Animation, 3D technology, cartoon, cultural identity, national identity.

 


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CITATION: Abstracts & Proceedings of ADVED 2016- 2nd International Conference on Advances in Education and Social Sciences, 10-12 October 2016- Istanbul, Turkey

ISBN: 978-605-64453-8-5