Deconstructing Shared Anthropology and How It Inspired the Auto-Ethno-Fiction Film Alien

This essay delves into the realm of cross-cultural communication and exchange, focusing on the impact of multiculturalism in the context of the globalised world.It draws from the ethnofiction film Alien, which blends docufiction, ethnofiction, and documentary elements to explore the challenges faced by Chinese students in Manchester.The protagonist, Andrea, embodies both informant and participant, relaying firsthand experiences through improvised re-enactments.The film addresses cultural differences, language barriers, and the coexistence of LGBTQ+ individuals in diverse social contexts.The cinematic techniques of 'direct cinema' and 'cinema verité ' distinguish between the fictional and documentary aspects of the film, drawing inspiration from Dziga Vertov's 'Cine-Eye' concept and Jean Rouch's ethnofiction genre.By adopting these aesthetics, the project aims to break down the power dynamics between anthropologists and informants, as well as dismantle the hierarchical relationship between Western civilization and Eastern culture, historically established through observation and colonial systems.This paper not only introduces the origins of ethnofiction but also delves into an analysis of Jean Rouch's production and aesthetic concepts.It highlights how these concepts inspired the creation of an auto-ethnofictional piece, enabling the decentering of the anthropologist and Western civilization.Through the medium of film, the project seeks to foster a more nuanced understanding of cultural communication and exchange, fostering a future where multiculturalism remains the dominant dynamic in cross-cultural discourses.