During the 70s and 80s, New Wave music resonated deeply within the American-Vietnamese community, with popular hits reimagined and translated into Vietnamese. More than a trend, this genre became a vital outlet for a generation seeking to forge their identity in a new country while grappling with the lingering trauma of war and displacement.
Through dramatic recreations, archival footage, and interviews with icons like Lynda Trang Đài and Ian “DJ BPM” Nguyen, filmmaker Elizabeth Ai draws from her own family’s story as Vietnamese refugees to delve into how music became a unifying force for a scattered community, embodying their resilience. Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, New Wave unfolds as a vibrant tribute to the transformative power of culture and music.
Credits
Year: 2024
Runtime: 88′
Country: USA
Direction: Elizabeth Ai
Screenplay: Elizabeth Ai
Cast: Lynda Trang Dai, Ian Nguyen, Elizabeth Ai
Cinematography: Bryant Swanstrom
Genre: Documentary
Subtitles: Pedro Juan Galán Martín, Eduard Bartoll Teixidor
Contact: The Film Collaborative
Wins & nominations
2024 | Tribeca Film Festival | Special Jury Mention
2024 | Calgary International Film Festival
