An interview segment with Vietnamese rock band Thomas' Apartment from one of the pilot episodes that was screened at the premier. Courtesy of APA.

Vietnamese American Xposure Premier and Party in Huntington Beach

By Sara Stokoe

Thursday, August 28, marked the monumental premier of "VAX," or "Vietnamese American Xposure," a new television show that seeks to promote and expose the Vietnamese American Culture to Americans through the use of mainstream media and youth culture. "VAX"'s goal is to "present the Vietnamese American identity" while simultaneously bridging "the connection between the old and new Vietnamese Am. generations."

Joey Nguyen and Kathy Nguyen, the hosts of "VAX." Courtesy of APA

The premier was held at Club Majestic in Huntington Beach, CA. and was quite the hip, upscale, trendy youth event. The red carpet was rolled out for the press, sponsors and special guests, and the club was completely decorated with hanging stars and moons, dim lighting and candlelit tables set all around the stage/runway. Guests mingled and munched on Vietnamese appetizers until about 8:30 pm when the hosts of "VAX" finally came on stage to kick off the premier.

Binh Le, the executive producer of "VAX" and VABC's (Vietnamese American Broadcasting Channel) President, was the first to formally address the audience with his inspiring analogy of the inception of MTV, which coincidentally took place exactly twenty years prior to the premier of "VAX." Le excitedly proclaimed that like MTV, twenty years from now, "VAX" would be broadcast all over the world, and the almost entirely Vietnamese audience applauded with amazing enthusiasm. He also explained that this new show, which is similar in style to "Entertainment Tonight," shared the same key to success as MTV: It is "a show for young people; produced, directed and performed by young people."

A model for Manhattan Ave. strutting her stuff on the runway. Courtesy of APA

The most important point that was driven home throughout the night by all speakers however, was the fact that this show was to "xpose" the Vietnamese Am. identity and show Americans, which were described as "neighbors" in our shared homeland, what they are, and what they can do for our homeland. Exposure was definitely the key word, as the director, producer, cast and crew have embarked on a journey to change the views of Vietnamese Americans in the U.S.

Being of non-Asian descent myself, I have found that it is sometimes difficult for me to recognize on my own the lack of representation of certain Asian cultures in the mainstream media. This night definitely made it clear to me that the Vietnamese Am. community is a large and valuable part of the American and, specifically, Californian community. As a whole this ethnic group is misunderstood and underrepresented, which is what makes this new television show so extremely important for the community. That importance could be felt through the energy of the audience who applauded loudly and exuberantly in celebration of this new entertainment venture.

After the fashion show put on by Manhattan Ave., a clothing store in Garden Grove, the first pilot episode of "VAX" was presented on a huge screen, as well as on other smaller screens mounted up around the large decorated room. It was the first clip of the first episode that made the need for this show so painstakingly clear, especially to me as a non-Asian who never faces much racial stereotyping. The two hosts of "VAX," Kathy Nguyen and Joey Nguyen set out on the streets of Los Angeles, one of the most diverse cities in the world, to find out what the average person knows about Vietnamese Americans. The results were disappointing to say the least. The words or thoughts that came to mind included war, gangsters, pet consumption and nail salons. Not one person could name a Vietnamese celebrity, and when they attempted, it was Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee - both not Vietnamese.

"VAX" very much resembles the format of the hit show "Entertainment Tonight," with Kathy Nguyen and Joey Nguyen starting off on a studio set sitting behind a desk. There they chit-chat and introduce the various segments which then cut to a screen behind them.

In the first episode they attended the premier of "The Anniversary," a film by Vietnamese producer Ham Tran, which was partly shot on location in Vietnam and is about a Buddhist monk who is haunted by war memories and heartbreaking betrayal on the anniversary of his brother's demise. They shot the segment in a fast-paced, split screen style with the interviews with Tran and Director Tim Bui on one side, and scenes from the film on the other, with music playing all the while. This is not a new style of presentation, but it worked very well for them and was quite entertaining to watch.

Vietnamese rapper Chosen One raps to the lovely ladies in the audience. Courtesy of APA

But of course, as a new show, not everything was perfect. While the segments out on location at different screenings, parties and events seemed to come very naturally for the cast, the on-set segments did not go so well. The dialogue was too canned and the enthusiasm and acting, too fake and over-the-top. I must admit that it bordered on cheesy.

"No way! Did you say a Vietnamese rock band?! Wow!" (Not an actual quote).

I don't mean to talk trash though as I don't think I could do any better creating a show from thin air. Overall the show was very entertaining. Even with its flaws it seems to have great potential.

"VAX" is a show for the entire community; not just the Vietnamese American community. The show demonstrates that Vietnamese Americans, who are so greatly underrepresented in the mainstream media, can be singers, actors, musicians, directors, etc. They can be anything they want! They don't need to always rap about being Asian, or write plays about the Asian American experience. They are simply people with all the same talents as every other race, whether it be white, black, Latino or what have you. This is their chance to tell their story, to be represented like everyone else. This is media empowerment.

VAX will air later this month on Time Warner's channel 16! Check your local listings for updates.

September 12, 2003