New Wave

Director Elizabeth Ai will be present for both post-screening Q&As, W. Kamau Bell will moderate the 4pm Q&A and introduce the 6pm screening on November 19!

BOTH shows on November 19 are at rush. Screening added on Monday, November 25!

Filmmaker Elizabeth Ai embarks on a journey to capture the vibrant spirit of a musical phenomenon that electrified Vietnamese American teens in the 1980s: New Wave. What begins as an exploration of the rebellion and freedom within this subculture evolves into a profound narrative of identity, loss, and healing. In Orange County, California, the synth beats and punk/goth aesthetics provided a sanctuary for a generation of youth grappling with the weight of their parents’ unspoken traumas.

As Elizabeth delves into the lives of her family members and icons of the New Wave scene, she discovers that beneath the surface lies a complex tapestry of broken dreams and unfulfilled expectations. These were not just fleeting moments of teenage rebellion but acts of defiance against the lingering shadows of the Vietnam War and the sacrifices made by a generation trying to rebuild.

The film juxtaposes the memories of her uncles and aunts—sneaking out to underground clubs—with Elizabeth’s own childhood, marked by her mother’s abandonment. What starts as a celebration of a cultural movement transforms into a cathartic journey. As the filmmaker unravels long-buried emotions and confronts the generational wounds that have shaped her community, the film becomes a powerful exploration of cultural identity, resilience, and new beginnings.

2024 FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS 

• Tribeca (World Premiere): Special Jury Mention, Best New Documentary Director 
• Austin Asian American: Audience Award
• Viet Film Fest: Best Feature
• Middlebury New Filmmakers: AICEF Prize for Cross-Cultural Filmmaking