There has been a growing trend of multicultural and multilingual content in film and television, where stories seek to reach audiences beyond the continents and languages we have grown accustomed to. Brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci consistently take a multicultural approach to clothing design and marketing. In literature, there is a growing trend in children's books to be bilingual, aiding language learning. Streaming apps have adopted multi-language support for dubbing and subtitles, making content accessible to diverse audiences. Part of this change reflects the growing demand for anime among global audiences. However, the most exciting development lies in how new adaptations of cultural narratives and stories are beginning to be seen in parts of the world that have never been exposed to them before.
The Rise of Multicultural Content
Films like "Parasite" gaining global attention in 2019 were once a rarity, but foreign content continued to gain traction in 2021 with Netflix’s breakout hit "Squid Game". More recently, the trend continues to grow with: “The Sympathizer” on HBO, “The Brothers Sun” on Netflix, “Shogun” on Hulu, and “Everything Everywhere All At Once” all of these films mix multiple languages and subtitles into their narratives. A recent NYT article discussed the benefits of this trend and how views on subtitles have changed. The article highlights that almost 50% of the United States prefers to watch content with subtitles, valuing the authenticity that comes with the use of native languages.
The Global Appeal of Animation
Animation stands out from film and television for its unique ability to transcend language barriers through visual storytelling. Unlike live-action content, animation can use visuals to communicate across cultures, making it particularly effectivein reaching a global audience. Animated films like Pixar's "Wall-E" tell compelling stories with minimal dialogue, relying on expressive movements and sounds. Similarly, the viral Instagram hit “MeetQuack” uses only a squeak to convey dialogue, yet its emotions and visuals signify universal acceptance and understanding. Animation also embraces multicultural and multilingual elements. Pixar’s "Coco" celebrates Mexican traditions and the Day of the Dead, using both Spanish and English dialogue to resonate globally. "Kubo and the Two Strings" blends Japanese cultural elements with universal themes, appealing to a broad audience through its stunning visuals and compelling story. By focusing on expressive visuals, accessible narratives, and cultural representation, animation connects with audiences worldwide, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.
Atrium's Role in Global Content Creation
The development of the Atrium Production Platform is the result of a global community of creators whose unique cultural and global identities allow for new thoughts, trends, and perspectives that shape a story. Similar to a retail store wanting to offer a semblance of recognition to customers by having a diverse workforce, Atrium offers a diverse group of creators whose talents can connect with any theme. In the development of "The Rise of Blus: A Nouns Movie," the creative directors are from Hong Kong and Australia, with a composer in Poland and sound design in the United States. Not only is animated content showing the global diversity in the content that is created, but Atrium is showcasing how the creation of content itself can be global as well.
Benefits of Multilingual and Cultural Content
Audiences are becoming more global and diverse, and creators embracing technological advancements in translation are bringing more foreign content to these consumers. The adaptation of global stories has the potential to break us from the cycle of sequel-focused content development, introducing beloved narratives to new audiences. By focusing on multilingual content, creators can ensure the authenticity of their stories, capturing emotions, dialects, and cultural nuances that allow many to see themselves represented on screen. Additionally, this approach can enhance cultural awareness, broaden audience reach, and foster deeper engagement with diverse viewers.
Parting Thoughts
The trend toward multicultural and multilingual content in film, television, and animation reflects a broader cultural shift towards global storytelling. As audiences become more diverse and interconnected, the demand for authentic, representative narratives continues to grow. Animation, with its unique ability to transcend language barriers through visual storytelling, plays a crucial role in this evolution. Atrium is at the forefront of this movement, leveraging a global community of creators to produce content that resonates across cultures. By incorporating diverse voices and perspectives, Atrium not only enriches the stories it tells but also sets a new standard for global collaboration in content creation.
The benefits of this approach are clear: increased cultural awareness, broader audience reach, and deeper engagement with viewers from all backgrounds. As we continue to embrace and promote multilingual and multicultural content, we pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future in storytelling. This shift not only enriches our entertainment landscape but also fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of the world's diverse cultures.
