Analyzing the first Malaysian animated film “Hikayat Sang Kancil”

In this paper, we present the results of the case study of the first Malaysian animated film entitled Hikayat Sang Kancil (1983) or The legend of the Mousedeer. Basically our aim is to establish understanding regarding the visual conventions (cinematic elements, animated characters and visual metaphors) that are employed by the animator, Anandam Xavier. In order to make inference about the conventions, we approached mix methods, content analysis and compositional interpretation. To add more depth to the study, we also gathered information through interview with two animation pioneers of Filem Negara Malaysia, Goh Meng Huat and Hassan Abd Muthalib. Our analysis reveals that HSK not only features anthropomorphic animals with local style but also contain latent visual metaphors. These elements in a way help create a look of the animation. We hope that the findings will provide valuable source of reference for creative societies especially film historian, animator and art & design students in Malaysia.