Premiere Date: 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.
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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
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
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Reviews & Reactions
Average Review
| based on 2 reviews
Insightful view of America
A revealing and comic portrayal of the America that most kids experience. Great film!
by Sarah
June 4, 2009, 4:07 PM
Every teenager sould see this film
I was on an emotional roller coaster seeing what this exchange student from Hanoi had to endure. Great up close portrait film.
by Joe Cary
July 26, 2009, 5:31 PM