FOLK CULTURE ADAPTATION IN VIETNAMESE ANIMATED CHARACTER DESIGN FROM 2015 TO 2025

Abstract

In the context of globalization and the rapid development of digital media technologies, the Vietnamese
animation industry has experienced remarkable transformations in both content and form. The adaptation of
folk culture in character design has emerged as a significant trend, reflecting the growing aspiration to construct
a distinctive national identity within contemporary creative practices. Folk culture not only serves as a rich
source of symbolic and narrative material but also provides aesthetic frameworks and cultural depth essential
for creating meaningful and culturally resonant characters. However, this process also poses critical challenges
concerning approaches, levels of creativity, and the balance between preservation and modernization. This
paper examines strategies of folk culture adaptation in Vietnamese animated character design over the past
decade, clarifying the role of traditional culture in shaping new visual languages and contributing to the
development of an animation industry that is both modern and deeply rooted in national identity.