Narrative and reflection of Isaan identity in the film "Phubao Thai Baan" of Director Uthen Sririwi

Abstract

        This study aimed to study 1) narrative and 2) reflection of Isaan identity in the film "Phubao Thai Baan" of Director Uthen Sririwi. This research is a qualitative using content analysis to study about the narrative and interviews were conducted to gain deeper insights into the intentions and reflections concerning the representation of Isaan identity. The data for this study were gathered from four episodes of the film series "Phubao Thai Baan," namely: Phu Bao Thai Baan Isaan Indy (2014), Isaan New Own Song (2016), Isaan Indy "Man and the Kham Pan" (2018) and Isaan Juet (2021).

        The study's findings revealed that all four episodes of the film employed narrative, encompassing elements such as plot, theme, conflict, character, setting, symbol, and point of view. Notably, the episodes placed significant emphasis on themes and conflicts. Among the major themes identified throughout all four episodes were Isan Phiwat or reflecting values about of Isaan far from home, Bipolar Separation Concept, Social inequality of capitalist and the working class, Localism and Nostalgia. Furthermore, the conflicts found in the film included the conflicts between different societal factions, the internal conflict, and the conflict between characters. and narrative through special symbols, consisting of (1) symbols that reflect values about Isaan ​​far from home, (2) Polarization and Identity, (3) bourgeoisie and labor and (4) localism and nostalgia.  For the results from the interview, it was found that there were four Isaan identities that the director of the film would like to portray including 1) Isaan as a space for social negotiation, particularly among local women, 2) the adaptation of Isaan Thai Baan people, 3) problems related to social gap and inequality existing between the capitalists and workers, and 4) the reminiscence experienced by Isaan people who had to work far from home.