Film in ASEAN education: A bibliometric analysis

Background: In recent years, film has become a key pedagogical tool in ASEAN education, going beyond traditional teaching methods to promote cultural storytelling, identity exploration, and critical reflection among students. This shift underscores the need for a more integrated approach to utilizing film as a means of fostering both cultural understanding and social learning. Despite its potential, research on film in Southeast Asian classrooms remains fragmented. There is limited cross-border collaboration, and the focus is predominantly on using film as a teaching aid rather than leveraging it as a catalyst for broader cultural and social learning. Purpose: This study aims to systematically map the scholarly landscape of scholarly work on film in ASEAN education by mapping who contributes, what themes emerge, and how collaborations form over time. Methodology: This research retrieved 332 Scopus-indexed publications from 1979 to 2025 and applied bibliometric tools (VOSviewer and Biblioshiny) to visualize co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and the evolution of research themes. Results: The findings indicate that Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines lead in publication counts; however, inter-ASEAN collaboration remains modest. Dominant topics include media literacy, educational technology, and cultural identity, while emerging interests lie in digital storytelling and interdisciplinary approaches. Conclusion: Although scholarly attention is increasing, the field lacks a cohesive regional dialogue and coordinated research agenda. Implications: Theoretically, this work enriches the discourse on media education in Southeast Asia. Practically, it underscores the need for ASEAN-wide academic networks, shared resources, and policies that position film as a transformative tool for inclusive, culturally grounded learning.