PBS Premiere: August 6, 2002
Synopsis
A spunky Vietnamese teenager named Mai gets the chance of a lifetime—to study in the United States. Expecting Hollywood, she instead lands in rural Mississippi, a crazy quilt of self-proclaimed rednecks, cliquish teenagers, South Vietnamese exiles and transvestite soulmates. As she tries to fit in and to make ends meet, Mai discovers that America is both less and far more than she bargained for. From cosmopolitan Hanoi to the heart of the Deep South, Mai’s unforgettable journey offers an outsider’s glimpse inside America.
Read the full film description »
Share This
Film Information
Mai's America (80 min.)
Filmmaker
The exchange program that placed Mai brings over 500 kids annually from around the world. Their diverse introductions to the States made me think a great deal about how we define America. ”
— Marlo Poras, Filmmaker
Buy the Film
Critical Acclaim
Insightful and bittersweet, the film provides an unexpected picture of America through the eyes of a charming candid heroine.”
— Tini Tran, Associated Press
Astonishing. This most unlikely story about a Vietnamese exchange student in the Deep South is by turns hilarious, voyeuristic, wise, bizarre and sadly ironic. Filmmaker Marlo Poras followed Mai for two years, and her film overflows with telling observations.”
— Aaron Barnhart, Kansas City Star
Upcoming Films
Homegoings
Monday, June 24
Special Flight
Monday, July 1
Herman's House
Monday, July 8
Are you aware of our Comment Policy?
* Your email address is for verification purposes only and will not be published, shared, or sold to other entities.