Oklahoma Premiere: New Wave Documentary

Oklahoma Premiere: New Wave Documentary

Travel back to the 1980’s with us, but make it Việt. The New Wave Documentary dives into the cultural phenomenon of ‘new wave’ music in Vietnamese diaspora, mixing classic songs and synths with lyrics in tiếng Việt and more. The film unravels the complexities during the height of Vietnamese people fleeing their country and conforming to new identities as refugees and Americans. ‘New wave’ music was born.

A story of joy and youthful defiance as filmmaker Elizabeth Ai explores a musical phenomenon known then to Vietnamese American teens as ‘new wave’. Family members and icons of the new wave scene share more than just music and fashion. This counterculture movement takes the youth by storm, becoming a sanctuary for rebellious teens. The fun Euro-synth dance beats and punk/goth aesthetics mask deep traumas– broken dreams and unfulfilled expectations that have shaped the Vietnamese American community. The film takes us on a soulful journey that binds wounds, celebrates resilience, and offers new beginnings.

Join us afterwards to continue the music at Heirloom Rustic ales. If you nhâu you nhâu.

Presented by NAM common, a community project to explore the Vietnamese and Asian diaspora through curated art and media programs. This one is for our parents, uncles, aunties, big brothers and sisters–bó mẹ, chú, cô, anh, chị–the first generation of Vietnamese Americans.

Co-presented with Tulsa Film Collective and Tulsa Artist Fellowship.

Saturday, December 6
6:00pm - Doors open, Circle Cinema

6:30pm - Screening begins

8-10pm - Heirloom Rustic Ales