Elizabeth Ai's documentary and book explore 1980s Vietnamese American youth culture through new wave music.

Elizabeth Ai's documentary and book, "New Wave: Rebellion and Reinvention in the Vietnamese Diaspora," examine the 1980s Vietnamese American teen scene connected through synthesizer-driven dance music. Ai, inspired by her upbringing in San Gabriel Valley, spent six years on this project to highlight the cultural impact of new wave music on young Vietnamese Americans, showcasing their experiences and shifting narratives away from themes of war and trauma.

November 06, 2024
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