Preserving culinary heritage : an animated exploration of Maltese cuisine through the fusion of traditional and digital storytelling

Abstract

This dissertation examines how food functions as a cultural and emotional marker, exploring theories of cultural memory, nostalgia, and digital storytelling in relation to 2D animation and editorial design. Through semi-structured interviews, qualitative research was conducted to collect personal narratives about traditional Maltese cuisine, shaping the foundation of the creative work. These narratives were translated into a 2D animated short film and an illustrated cookbook, focusing on visual storytelling techniques that evoke sensory and emotional connections to food. The reflective analysis considers how practice-based research informed artistic decisions and explores the role of digital arts in preserving intangible cultural heritage.