New Wave Documentary
October 10, 2025 @7:00PM
Brava Theater Center
Mile-high hair. Synthesized sounds. Teenage rebellion. Elizabeth Ai was on a mission to excavate an untold story of rebellious punks in the chaotic world of 80s Vietnamese New Wave until she uncovers a hidden past.
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.
CALL FOR FILM SUBMISSIONS
CALL FOR FILM SUBMISSIONS
Call for Film Submissions
Brava! for Women in the Arts has the pleasure and honor of screening the fantastic documentary, New Wave. Along with this screening, we are looking for two short narrative films about the Asian American experience to precede the documentary. The film must be 10 minutes or less, including credits. As we continue Brava’s mission, we welcome all films, but highly encourage AAPI stories.
This is a ticketed event with 2-3 members from your project that will have free admission.
**If your project is not chosen to be a part of this event, we will still keep your project in mind for future screenings!**
If you have any questions, please reach out to kiana@brava.org
Submissions due: August 25 @11:59PM PT
Notification date: September 4, 2025
Screening date: October 10 @7:00PM PT
*Submissions are free
CRITICS’ CLAIM ON NEW WAVE
"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
“New Wave” shows that while breaking the silence is a good first step, breaking the cycle is even more important." —Todd Inoue, San Francisco Chronicle
