The Popcorn List: New Wave

Filmmaker Elizabeth Ai embarks on a project to tell a story of joy and youthful defiance found in a musical phenomenon in the 1980s known to Vietnamese American teens as “new wave.” In the throbbing heart of Orange County, California, this counterculture movement takes the youth by storm, becoming a sanctuary for rebellious teens. However, as she delves into the lives of family members and key figures in the new wave scene, she uncovers more than just music and fashion.  The upbeat, danceable tunes mask deep, buried traumas—memories of abandonment, broken dreams, and unfulfilled expectations that have shaped her community.

The joyful memories of her uncles and aunts sneaking out to dance at raucous night clubs clash with her own painful childhood, haunted by her mother’s abandonment. As the filmmaker digs deeper, the excavation becomes an emotional journey, unraveling mysteries that touch on cultural identity, generational trauma, and the Vietnam War’s lasting impact. The exploration transforms from a love letter to her community into a cathartic process for the filmmaker. By confronting these buried emotions, the film takes us on a soulful journey that binds wounds, celebrates resilience, and offers new beginnings.

The Popcorn List is an annual survey of acclaimed feature films recommended by film festival programmers across North America – not yet available in wide release. The Popcorn List: Pop Up Series brings a selection of these movies to audiences across the country, in person in 10 cinemas including The Roxie, and online. Learn more at thepocornlist.com. 

AT RUSH!