Participatory Video Recording of Cross-Border Ethnic Cultural Dialogue: Project Design of Zhuang Rock Paintings and Tianqin Rituals on the China-Vietnam Border

This study presents a participatory video design for documenting and disseminating Zhuang rock paintings and Tianqin rituals along the China-Vietnam border. Responding to the dual pressures of modernization and fragmented cross-border exchange, the project integrates visual anthropology, cross-cultural communication, and community-based heritage safeguarding. Methodologically, we combine community storyboard workshops, on-site participatory filming, and iterative rough-cut screenings with mixed-methods evaluation. Qualitative data (participant observation and semi-structured interviews) will be thematically coded, while quantitative data (pre/post surveys using a 5-point scale) will assess shifts in cultural knowledge, pride, and intent to participate in safeguarding. The eight-month workflow proceeds through four phases: preliminary research and access; co-design and filming; post-production with multilingual subtitles (Chinese/Vietnamese/English) and cultural-sensitivity review; and multi-platform dissemination plus effect evaluation. Expected outputs include a 30-40-minute documentary, 3-5 short social media videos, no fewer than five offline screenings on both sides of the border, and an online reach of approximately 10,000 views in three months. Anticipated impacts are (i) activation of community agency and intergenerational transmission, (ii) strengthened cross-border dialogue through co-creation and bilingual/multilingual circulation, and (iii) a replicable design toolkit for other cross-border ethnocultural contexts. By centering local voices throughout production and evaluation, the project aims to deliver culturally sensitive, ethically grounded, and practically scalable visual documentation that supports sustained heritage vitality across borders.