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Free AAPI Film “New Wave” (San Leandro Library)

Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | Cost: FREE
San Leandro Public Library | 300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577

Submitted by the Event Organizer

New Wave

Join Renegade Humanities Collective and San Leandro Public Library for this free community screening of NEW WAVE in honor of AAPI Heritage.

Mile-high hair. Synthesized sounds. Teenage rebellion. Filmmaker 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.

NEW WAVE tell a story of joy and youthful defiance as it explores a musical phenomenon in the 1980s known to Vietnamese American teens as new wave. As Elizabeth Ai delves into the lives of family members and icons of the new wave scene, she uncovers much more than just music and fashion. In the heart of Orange County, California, 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 her community. As the filmmaker digs deeper, the excavation becomes an emotional journey, unraveling mysteries that touch on cultural identity, generational trauma, and the Vietnam War’s lasting impact.

Filmmaker Elizabeth Ai will join us for conversation following the screening moderated by producer/director Ursula Liang.

Vietnamese American Cultural Center of the East Bay will offer resources inside the library at 1:00 pm.

newwavedocumentary.com

New Wave (2024, 1 hr 28 minutes)

______________

This series is presented in partnership with the Oakland, San Leandro and Berkeley Public Libraries. All library locations and restrooms are accessible. Please contact the libraries with any questions or concerns about accessibility.

All library locations and restrooms are accessible. Please contact the libraries with any questions or concerns about accessibility.

Questions? humanitiescollective@gmail.com

Find us @renegadehumanities

 

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE
Categories: In Person, Movies
Venue: San Leandro Public Library
Address: 300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577

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