Cultural roots and nostalgia: Exploring cultural identity and sense of belonging through animation practice

Animation, both as an art form and a storytelling medium, offers a variety of creative avenues for self-expression. The animator’s cultural background, depending on the individual, can have a strong influence on their practice, which can be elicited from their stylistic choices as well as their approach to storytelling and technique. This article discusses how an autoethnographic reflection into animation practice, in particular the early stage of idea formation, has uncovered questions about cultural identity and sense of belonging when living abroad. It explores the role of nostalgia in the creative process and questions whether the feeling of homesickness can influence ideas and act as a spur to create work inspired by the animator’s culture and heritage. The article discusses three short animations produced by the lead author and the thought process that led to the decision to base them on Bulgarian folklore, music and literature while living in the United Kingdom.