Elizabeth Ai’s New Wave (2024) documentary project was an ambitious six-year endeavor aimed at capturing the experience of Vietnamese Americans’ postwar resettlement in the 1980s. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 forced Ai to pivot from directing to archiving. As she delved into family photographs, she realized the limitations of Vietnamese-American archives and turned to the internet for help. Setting up an Instagram page, Ai encouraged others to share their personal collections, resulting in a nostalgic glimpse into the past. The images showcased aunties and uncles dancing energetically to 1980s New Wave disco, encapsulating a unique cultural moment.
For Ai and many Vietnamese Americans who grew up in the 1980s, New Wave music was a significant part of their childhood. The connection between Euro synthpop bands like Depeche Mode and Vietnamese American refugees might seem unlikely, but Ai discovered that these records were prevalent alongside Viet New Wave covers in record shops in Westminster, California. The influx of refugees settling in Orange County led to a blending of cultures, creating spaces where diverse traditions coexisted.
Ai’s project, New Wave: Rebellion and Reinvention in the Vietnamese Diaspora (2024), challenges the stereotypical portrayals of Vietnamese Americans in Western popular culture. By focusing on the “1.5 Generation” – refugees who arrived in the US between the ages of five and 12 – Ai sheds light on their struggle to balance Vietnamese heritage with American assimilation. The accompanying book and documentary offer a nuanced narrative that celebrates resilience and individuality.
Designed by Mỹ Linh Triệu Nguyễn of STUDIO LHOOQ, New Wave combines a rich photo archive with insightful essays from Ai and other Vietnamese scholars. It explores the evolution of the New Wave movement through the decades, highlighting cultural icons like Lynda Trang Đài, whose fusion of Vietnamese and Eurodisco music captivated audiences worldwide. The project aims to bridge cultural divides, address generational trauma, and create spaces for joy and celebration.
According to sociologist Thao Ha, the New Wave movement was not just a form of rebellion but a transformative experience that shaped a new world for Vietnamese Americans. The project goes beyond documenting history, incorporating personal stories like Ai’s emotional reunion with her mother during filming. New Wave stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese diaspora, offering a fresh perspective on their resettlement journey.
New Wave: Rebellion and Reinvention in the Vietnamese Diaspora (2024) by Elizabeth Ai, published by Angel City Press, is a must-read for those interested in exploring the vibrant cultural tapestry of Vietnamese Americans. Available for purchase online and through independent booksellers, it offers a deep dive into a pivotal moment in the community’s history.
