“Remember Me”: Being, Becoming, and the Power of Representation in Coco (2017) Movie

Authors

  • Jonathan Syah Putra MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Chrishanna Rose Sitohang MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Jeshua Nathanael Aritonang MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Jeshelyn Enjelyna Sandawa MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • King David Lee Kawulusan MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Keywords:

Identity, Cultural Identity, Cinematography, Stuart Hall, Collective Memory

Abstract

The current study examines the construction of cultural identity in Coco (2017) with the help of Stuart Hall's Cultural Identity Theory in which identity is seen as being and becoming. The method used was qualitative, using thematic and visual analysis of the symbolism, color, lighting, framing, composition and representation of characters in the scenes that are considered the most important, which were carried out through systematic observations by five observers. The study concludes: 1) family traditions, rituals and ancestral remembrances are cultural systems that maintain and transmit cultural identity across generations 2) Elements of the film visually show the process of emotional reconciliation, belonging and negotiating identity through an analysis of warm lighting, close up shots, framing and composition and 3) Symbolic objects, such as the ofrenda, are means of bridging elements of individual aspiration with elements of collective cultural memory, This study contributes to cultural identity research in animated films by demonstrating how visual storytelling can preserve and communicate cultural heritage, collective memory, and family values to global audiences. The findings highlight the potential of animated media as an educational and cultural tool for strengthening cultural awareness among younger generations in an increasingly globalized world. Future studies may apply alternative theoretical approaches, such as Semiotics and Postcolonialism, to provide broader interpretations. 

References

Hall, S. (1990). Cultural identity and diaspora. In J. Rutherford (Ed.), Identity: Community, culture, difference (pp. 222–237). Lawrence & Wishart.

Hall, S. (1996). Introduction: Who needs ‘identity’? In S. Hall & P. du Gay (Eds.), Questions of cultural identity (pp. 1–17). Sage Publications.

Hall, S. (Ed.). (1997). Representation: Cultural representations and signifying practices. Sage Publications.

Nurlaili, D., Asanti, C., & Nasrullah, N. (2022). The representation of Mexican culture in Coco film. Ilmu Budaya: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Budaya, 6(4), 1537–1554.

Speakman, M. (2025). Tradition, tourism and cultural representation: The resonance of Coco among a British audience. International Journal of Multidisciplinary and Innovative Research, 2(1), 52–61. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijmir.2025.v2i1n06

The Holy Bible: New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/ (Original work published 1978)

UNESCO. (2022). Culture and heritage preservation in the digital era.

Unkrich, L., & Molina, A. (Directors). (2017). Coco [Film]. Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Pictures.

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Published

2026-08-31

How to Cite

Putra, J. S., Sitohang, C. R., Aritonang, J. N., Sandawa, J. E., & Kawulusan, K. D. L. (2026). “Remember Me”: Being, Becoming, and the Power of Representation in Coco (2017) Movie. Boanerges: Makarios Education Journal, 4(1), 93–103. Retrieved from https://streamfly.tech/index.php/boanerges/article/view/61

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): BOANERGES

Section

Table of Contents

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