Director Elizabeth Ai in attendance.
“Puts its ear right next to the bass drum, as it were, and discerns, not just the rhythm, but the culture and the people who made it possible.” - Peter Martin, ScreenAnarchy
Wednesday, May 21, 6:00 p.m. | Mile-high hair, synthesized sounds, teenage rebellion. Filmmaker Elizabeth Ai set out to document the rebellious punks of the 1980s Vietnamese New Wave, until she uncovered another story. Behind the musical phenomenon, the Euro-synth dance beats, and punk aesthetics were the broken dreams and unfulfilled expectations that have shaped her community. As Ai digs deeper, her excavation becomes an emotional journey of cultural identity, generational trauma, and the Vietnam War’s lasting impact on generations. Dialogue: Director Elizabeth Ai in attendance.
Awards & Nominations
Winner - New Documentary Director, Special Jury Mention, Tribeca Film Festival
Nominee - Best Documentary Feature, Tribeca Film Festival
Asian American Showcase | May 16–22, 2025
Presented as an annual collaboration with the Foundation for Asian American Independent Media and now celebrating its 28th year, the Asian American Showcase (AAS) provides a platform for new work by established and emerging Asian American filmmakers. Synopses provided by AAS. Learn more at faaim.org.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu