New Wave
Puts its ear right next next to the bass drum, as it were, and discerns, not just the rhythm, but the culture and the people who made it possible.
New Wave
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.
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.
Genre
AAPI Experience,
Asian Pacific Islander Experience,
Documentary,
Family,
Immigrant Experience,
Music,
Pop Culture,
Women and Film
Web Site
Runtime
92
Language
English
Director
Elizabeth Ai
Producer
Elizabeth Ai,
Rachel Sine
Writer(s)
Elizabeth Ai
Cast
Lynda Trang Đài,
Elizabeth Ai
Awards:
Nominee, Best Documentary Feature, Tribeca Film Festival
Winner, Albert Maysles New Documentary Director Award - Special Jury Mention, Tribeca Film Festival
Played at
Glendale 10.25.24 - 10.31.24
Monica Film Center 12.03.24 - 12.03.24
New Wave Get Tickets
There are currently no showtimes for this film. Please check back soon.