Viet Voices is proud to present a special FREE screening of NEW WAVE, the critically acclaimed documentary directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Elizabeth Ai, as part of the NEW WAVE: 50 for 50 campaign. This powerful initiative commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam/American War by bringing the film to 50 screens in 50 cities across the country.

The San Diego screening will take place during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, honoring the Vietnamese-American community through the lens of music, memory, and resilience. Co-presented by Pacific Arts Movement.

Screening Details

Film: NEW WAVE (2024)
Presented by: Viet Voices
Location: Ultrastar Cinemas at Mission Valley
Date & Time: Thursday, May 15 at 6:00 PM
Admission: Free

Plus!

Copies of the NEW WAVE companion book will be available for purchase at the screening—featuring behind-the-scenes stories, archival visuals, and reflections from the community.
Break out your best retro outfit and dance moves for an '80s New Wave Dance Contest following the film! Prizes will be awarded to the most radical dancers.

About the Film

Set in 1980s Orange County, NEW WAVE dives into the underground music scene that became a haven for Vietnamese-American youth—many of whom were displaced refugees navigating identity, assimilation, and the lingering effects of war. Featuring intimate interviews with cultural icons like Lynda Trang Đài and DJ Ian “BPM” Nguyen, alongside the director’s own family stories, the documentary reveals a vibrant subculture fueled by rebellion, rhythm, and healing.

About the Director

Elizabeth Ai is an Emmy Award-winning director, writer, and producer whose storytelling centers on diasporic experiences and marginalized voices. Her work has screened at renowned festivals such as Sundance and Tribeca, and NEW WAVE stands as a deeply personal tribute to her Vietnamese-American heritage and the music that shaped a generation.

About Viet Voices San Diego

Viet Voices San Diego is a community organization dedicated to amplifying Vietnamese-American stories, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering intergenerational dialogue through film, art, and storytelling. Through public programs, screenings, and discussions, Viet Voices seeks to empower the local Vietnamese community and create spaces for cultural expression and connection.

About Pacific Arts Movement

Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts) is one of the largest media arts organizations in North America that celebrates Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander stories through film, education, and community-driven programming. Based in San Diego, Pac Arts is best known for presenting the annual San Diego Asian Film Festival, along with year-round initiatives that inspire, engage, and empower communities through the power of cinema.

NEW WAVE Film Screening Presented By Viet Voices

A nostalgic journey through music, memory, and identity in 1980s Little Saigon.

Team Members