In Waves directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen will open the San Diego Asian Film Festival which will take place from November 5 – 14, 2026 in San Diego, USA.

Opening Night:
November 5, 2026 | Thursday | San Diego Natural History Museum | 6:00 pm

In Waves by Phuong Mai Nguyen – France, Belgium | 2026 – 91 minutes

AJ is a skater. Aside from making art, cruising the concrete with friends is his only concern. He certainly can’t be bothered with school dances and socializing. But when he crashes into the literal girl next door, he does a flip of the heart. Her name is Kristen. And she’s a surfer.

Southern California’s most classic pastimes come together in this tender tale of budding love along the surf. Their adventure in romance takes a turn when Kristen wakes up with a sting in her leg, a debilitation that will challenge her love for surfing and test a relationship that took off on the boards. Based on the beloved graphic novel by AJ Dungo, IN WAVES captures those sun-soaked days with glistening love for skate and surf friends, Fil-Am families, and a legacy of sport that ties Hawaiian tradition with the west coast. – Brian Hu

Trailer:

For more information, please visit: https://sdaff.org/2026/