The John C. Hench Division of Animation and Netflix invite you and a guest to attend

A Special Advance Screening of

IN WAVES

Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen
Script, Adaptation, and Dialogue by Fanny Burdino & Samuel Doux
Based on the Graphic Novel by AJ Dungo
Produced by Priscilla Bertin, Judith Nora, and Nick Shumaker

Followed by a Q&A with Phuong Mai Nguyen and Graphic Novelist AJ Dungo
Moderated by SCA Professor Jason Reisig

7:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 29th, 2026

The Ray Stark Family Theater, SCA 108
George Lucas Building, USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex
900 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPs REQUIRED.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

In Select Theaters November 27th, 2026

About In Waves

Based on AJ Dungo's acclaimed graphic novel, In Waves is a breathtaking love story set against the sun-soaked surf culture of Southern California—a moving journey about the joy of finding your soulmate, the devastation of losing them, and the enduring power of love to shape who we become.

Provided courtesy of Netflix. Rated PG-13. Running time: 90 minutes.

About the Guests

PHUONG MAI NGUYEN (Director)

Vietnamese-born director Phuong Mai Nguyen graduated from Gobelins and La Poudrière. She co-directed the adaptation of Pénélope Bagieu’s graphic novel Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World into a 30-episode animated series broadcast on France Télévisions in 2019. She regularly collaborates with other directors on storyboarding and visual development for animated films and series. She has directed several short films, including My Home, which was pre-selected for the César Awards and shortlisted for the Oscars in 2016. In Waves is her first feature film.

AJ DUNGO (Graphic Novelist)

AJ Dungo is an illustrator and graduate of the ArtCenter College of Design (California). Equally active in advertising (Nike, Vissla, Skechers...) and editorial work (The New York Times, Esquire), he published his first graphic novel, In Waves, in 2019 with Nobrow/Flying Eye Books Ltd, and with Casterman for the French edition. In 2026, he returns to comics with the publication of a new graphic novel, Skating Wilder, once again with Flying Eye Books and Casterman. If you’re looking for him, you’ll probably find him surfing somewhere around Los Angeles.

Check-In & Reservations

This program is open to all eligible individuals. The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This screening is free of charge and open to the public. A reservation confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

On-campus parking at the University of Southern California is limited. We recommend buying a day pass for the Royal Street Structure, located at the intersection of Royal Street and W. Jefferson Blvd. Parking passes are $20/car. For more information about parking at USC, please visit USC Transportation Website:

https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/daily-and-hourly-parking/
https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/about-us/entrance-hours/