Join us for New Wave, followed by an in-person conversation with filmmaker Elizabeth Ai, moderated by Daniel Cardone (Film Independent).

Elizabeth Ai is a Film Independent Fellow who has taken part several Film Independent Labs & Programs: Project Involve (2010), Producing Lab (2010), Fast Track (2016), Documentary Lab (2017) and the CNN Docuseries Intensive (2020).

Beverages will be served prior to the screening, starting at 7:00 pm PT.
 
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.

New Wave was an official selection of the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival (Special Jury Mention for Best New Documentary Director) and 2024 Austin Asian American Film Festival (Audience Award). The film also won Best Feature Film at the 2024 Viet Film Festival and the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival AICEF Prize for Cross-Cultural Filmmaking.
 
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

A documentary love letter to [Ai’s] community and how its consumption of pop culture shaped defiant attitudes that still resonate today.
– Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire

 
2024, 88 minutes, color | Written and Directed by Elizabeth Ai | Starring Ian “DJ BPM” Nguyen, Lynda Trang Đài, Elizabeth Ai | Produced by Rachel Sine | Executive Produced by Simu Liu, Diane Quon, Geeta Gandbhir, Robina Riccitiello, C.Y. Lee, Dug & Linh Song
 

Registration Information

For information about Arts Circle, learn more, or contact Jennifer Murby at jmurby@filmindependent.org.

Film Independent Members can register for this event starting at 3:00 pm on Thursday, October 17. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as one hour prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Masks are optional. This is subject to change as we continue to monitor public health guidance.

Complimentary parking provided with validation. Garage entrance on Masselin.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per Membership, per event.

Members are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.