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ABSTRACT
This study investigates the role of individualisation within the culinary industry as depicted in the film Hunger (2023), directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri. The aim is to understand how culinary skills function as tools to shape social mobility and class dynamics. Through a qualitative textual analysis of the film, the research explores the journey of the protagonist, Aoy, who transitions from a street food cook to a celebrated chef. The findings highlight that culinary skills serve as potent markers of social distinction, enabling social mobility and identity assertion. The study reveals that Aoy's mastery of culinary techniques not only enhances her professional status but also challenges traditional social hierarchies, illustrating how food can be a medium for negotiating social positions. The implications of this study suggest that cooking techniques and skills are significant factors in identity formation and social stratification, providing a nuanced understanding of how food-related practices reflect and influence societal dynamics. This research contributes to the fields of film and culinary studies by examining the intersection of cooking techniques and individualisation within the context of Southeast Asian cinema, offering original insights into the role of food in social identity and class mobility.
Keywords: Individualisation, Social Mobility, Hunger (2023), Thailand Cinema, Southeast Asia Cinema
