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Article In: Journal of Asian Pacific Communication: Online-First Articles

Cinematic representations of Melanesian communities in Southeast Asia

ORCiD logo with link | Universitas Ciputra
 | Universitas Ciputra
 | Universitas Ciputra
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Abstract
This study aims to analyze the representation of Melanesian communities in Indonesian films made and distributed since the first decade of the millennium. Stuart Hall’s cultural studies perspective is used as a methodology for both the theoretical framework and the analysis procedure of eight cinemas as data. The result shows that film text emphasizes cultural elements, such as language, beliefs, values, and rituals. Physical cultural elements fill the entire cinematic narrative, such as architectural heritage, artifacts, equipment, clothing, food, and natural environment. Sociopolitical analysis finds the dynamics of power, narrative views, and stereotypes of Melanesians. The visual text highlights the struggle of minorities to gain recognition and equality in welfare, education, good health, and self-existence. Meanwhile, the visual narratives reveal how struggles unfold under the weight of entrenched stereotypes and the structural domination of major ethnics — particularly Javanese and Malay — as the core of the majority culture.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Literature review
    • 2.1Sociohistorical of Melanesians in Southeast Asia
    • 2.2Delivery of identity and ideology messages through the movie
    • 2.3Constructing sociocultural on film as media
  • 3.Methodology
    • 3.1Research approach and data
    • 3.2Analysis procedure
  • 4.Results
    • 4.1Representation analysis
      • 4.1.1Analysis of cultural elements
      • 4.1.2Non-physical cultural elements
      • 4.1.3Physical culture elements/artifacts
    • 4.2Ideological analysis
    • 4.3Narrative gaze
    • 4.4Socio-political context
    • 4.5Stereotyping versus subversion
  • 5.Discussion
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Author queries
  • References
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