New Wave
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10/4/2024
NEW WAVE explores the musical phenomenon of the 1980s known to Vietnamese American teens as New Wave. The filmmaker, Elizabeth Ai, dives into the lives of family members and icons of the New Wave scene, and uncovers much more than a rich musical history. In the heart of Orange County, California, this counterculture movement takes the youth by storm, becoming a sanctuary for rebellious teens. The fun Euro-synth dance beats and punk/goth aesthetics mask deep traumas—broken dreams and unfulfilled expectations that have shaped her community.
The joyful memories of her uncles and aunts sneaking out to this underground scene 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 and offers new beginnings.
Sun
29
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- Genre:Documentary
- Director:Elizabeth Ai
- Cast: