Counter-Hegemony And Judgment As A Strategic Device To Preserve Culture Through Regional Film: Analyzing Chethuang As A Case Study For Sustainable Education

Abstract

Folktales have long served as foundational tools for cultural transmission, moral instruction, and social cohesion. The Tripuri folktale Chethuang, deeply rooted in regional, mythological, and ethical traditions, exemplifies how indigenous narratives convey communal values and enforce social judgement. This research explores how the theme of judgement operates within Chethuang across its oral, written, theatrical, and digital adaptations, with a focus on how it either reinforces traditional norms or enables critical reinterpretation. While oral versions emphasize performative storytelling—using tone, gesture, and communal engagement to frame moral decisions—its digital adaptations allow for greater audience interaction, multimedia elements, and multiple perspectives. This shift from fixed moral authority to participatory dialogue transforms the narrative into a site of ethical negotiation. The study adopts a qualitative, ethnographic content analysis, drawing on representation theory and cultural studies to assess the folktale’s evolving performative dimensions and the audience’s reception across different platforms. Particular attention is given to how Chethuang challenges patriarchal and hegemonic norms through strategic representation and digital hybridity. As a case study, the Tripura-based film adaptation of Chethuang highlights how regional cinema can function as an educational tool that promotes cultural awareness, inclusivity, and critical thinking. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education, this research argues that regional films like Chethuang can be integrated into educational curricula as sustainable means for preserving cultural heritage and promoting cross-cultural understanding. By examining its cultural, moral, and performative dimensions, the study demonstrates how Chethuang bridges traditional narratives and contemporary media practices, offering immersive learning experiences and fostering ethical consciousness in a rapidly changing world.