중국 무형문화유산 다큐멘터리의 시대적 변화 및 문화 기억 — <위대한 장인>, <전승>을 중심으로

Abstract

In the 2010s, China’s intangible cultural heritage(ICH) policy focused on protection, transmission, and the establishment of management systems. In particular, in 2023, marking the 20th anniversary of UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, China promoted the revitalization of ICH by producing content that integrated tourism and new media. Intangible Cultural Heritage Documentary is a crucial element of cultural memory, formed through the accumulation of historical experiences and imagination. However, there was a certain distance between video content of ICH and the daily lives of the public. Now, China is actively developing content to connect the common cultural memory of its people. This content elicits emotional resonance from the public regarding traditional culture and its bearers, promoting the diversity of Chinese culture and the spirit of craftsmanship. The documentaries The Great Craftsmen and Inheritance, produced in 2016, elevated the status of ICH documentaries and expanded into other content areas. This study analyzes how these two documentaries reflect contemporary society and how ICH is portrayed in their narratives, from the perspective of video content as a medium for conveying cultural memory. Through ICH documentaries, China aims to establish cultural identity, catalog diverse cultural heritage to foster national unity, and enhance its international image and soft power by exporting these documentaries. While such content production positively impacts the preservation and utilization of traditional culture, realistic solutions are needed to prevent and address potential cultural distortion issues.