Synopsis

Free admission!

The screening will be followed by a discussion between director Elizabeth Ai and Richard T. Rodríguez, Professor of English at the University of California, Riverside.

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. 

This screening is presented as part of UCR ARTS’ AAPI Film Series Supported by the Voy and Fay Wong Family Endowment.

Trailer

Film Details

Director: Elizabeth Ai
Country: USA
Release Year: 2024
Running Time: 88 minutes

Reviews

“My favorite Tribeca music documentary was a homespun affair: Elizabeth Ai’s ‘New Wave,’ a soft scream of a film about ’80s Vietnamese diaspora culture and style.” —Natalia Winkelman, New York Times

“Revealing a subculture little known to outsiders, the film soars in its glimpses of the past, most notably the archival performances and photo montages; the period’s outrageous hair must be seen to be believed.” —Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue

“it will help many people to look at the conversations…between parents and children and how we need to talk, before it’s too late.” —Anh Do, Los Angeles Times

“New Wave” shows that while breaking the silence is a good first step, breaking the cycle is even more important.” —Todd Inoue, San Francisco Chronicle