Home⇛Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives⇛vol. 4 no. 3 (2026)

Exploring the Story Structure of Filipino Fantasy Films Through Propp's Theory

Hamprey Sotelo | Kyla Katrinne Asenjo | Sheena Mae Namalata | Tyronne Alexis Odac | Klein Mamayabay

Discipline: media studies

 

Abstract:

This study applies Vladimir Propp's Morphology of the Folktale to analyze narrative structures in selected Filipino fantasy films from the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Aiming to address limited academic research on Philippine cinema in education, it identifies recurring narrative patterns and character functions that help students and viewers understand film meanings. Using qualitative textual analysis, the films were examined based on Propp's seven-character roles and thirty-one narrative functions. Findings show that the films consistently employ core heroic functions that reflect Filipino cultural values, such as resilience, moral responsibility, and communal identity. Although the films vary in their adherence to Propp's full narrative sequence, Ang Panday adheres most closely to it. Despite differences, all films maintain essential functions that support heroic storytelling. The study concludes that Propp's framework is effective for analyzing Filipino fantasy cinema and can enhance film literacy, providing future English educators with a practical approach to integrating cinematic texts into literature instruction.



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