International journal of advanced smart convergence

The Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication (한국인터넷방송통신학회)
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Pema Tseden's Cinematic Techniques: Analyzing Ethnic Representation in "Tharlo"

  • Wang Yipu (Department of Visual Contents, Dongseo University) ;
  • Hong-Sik Pak (Department of Visual Contents, Dongseo University)
  • Received : 2024.05.01
  • Accepted : 2024.05.26
  • Published : 2024.06.30
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Abstract

With the globalization of the film industry, ethnic minority films have been developed and studied by many scholars for their special ethnic representation. The film "Tharlo" directed by Pema Tseden carefully explores the identity anxiety of a Tibetan shepherd. Through the connection and separation between the protagonist and traditional culture, it shows a complexity of modern ethnic identity for minority people. This study explores what kind of cinematic techniques and symbolic elements the director uses to shape ordinary characters, build a narrative space, and show ethnic representation. This paper puts forward a theoretical framework combining cinematic quantitative methods with qualitative narrative and semiotic analysis, aiming to deepen our understanding of cinematic techniques and ethnic representation, and provides a new perspective and profound insights for discussing the complexity faced by ethnic minorities in contemporary films. This study finds that Tseden's "Tharlo" successfully portrays the complex transformation of Tibetan cultural identity in the context of globalization and modernization through cinematic techniques such as fixed camera positions, long take and black-and-white cinematography, combined with the use of symbolic elements like mirrors, lambs and identity cards.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was conducted with support from the Cultural Heritage Digital Restoration Lab (HDRA), funded by Wipco Ltd.

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