Documenting Vietnamese New Wave

Oct 5, 2025
35 mins

Episode Description

Today’s guest is Elizabeth Ai, writer and director of the documentary New Wave. We discussed the deeply personal nature of the project; how New Wave music provided a safe space for young people who didn’t consider themselves fully Vietnamese, but also weren’t fully accepted by America; the rewarding challenges of producing the movie through the pandemic and having her first child; and more.

Follow New Wave on Instagram for updates on screenings and streaming availability.

The Curious Subculture of Vietnamese New Wave (Saigoneer)

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