Echoes of the In-Between: Reconstructing Franco-Vietnamese Memory and Identity Through Literature, Comics, and Cinematics

Abstract

This dissertation presents an in-depth analysis of 21st-century Franco-Vietnamese cultural production, focusing on literature, graphic novels, and film to explore the complex interplay between history, memory, and identity. The study examines the creative works of prominent Francophone authors and filmmakers of Vietnamese descent, highlighting their contributions to the discourse on French national identity and multiculturalism. By invoking concepts of “transculturation” and “counter-memory,” it investigates ways in which postmigratory postcolonial minorities engage with the enduring effects of colonialism and how their artistic expressions serve to challenge traditional historical accounts, offering alternative perspectives on cultural memory and identity. Through the lens of postmemory, the study analyzes the literary contributions of authors such as Anna Moï, whose works interweave personal remembrance with broader historical narratives, and the films of Stéphane LyCuong and Mai Hua, which explore the visibility of the Vietnamese diaspora in contemporary French society. The study also investigates the graphic novels of Clément Baloup, discussing how visual storytelling can capture the polyphonic nature of diasporic memory and trauma. In addressing the scarcity of scholarship on Franco-Vietnamese cultural interactions, this dissertation underscores the importance of recognizing the multiplicity of postcolonial narratives and experiences. It argues for the recognition of Franco-Vietnamese artists’ roles in reshaping cultural divides and advocating for an inclusive representation of French citizens with immigrant backgrounds. By highlighting the intersectionality of these narratives, the study contributes to a broader understanding of transnationalism and cultural identity in postcolonial contexts.