The Fall 2012 issue of AEMS News and Reviews presents three thought-provoking films that examine cultural identity, political power, and generational change across Asia and the Pacific. "Dancing with the Goddess: Ras-Garba Traditions of Gujarat" (India) explores the vibrant devotional dance and music traditions of Navaratri, celebrating feminine creative power across Gujarati communities. "The Insular Empire: America in the Mariana Islands" (Mariana Islands/USA) interrogates America's colonial legacy in the Pacific, revealing the often-overlooked status and struggles of the Chamorro people under U.S. governance. "Follow Your Heart: China's New Youth Movement" (China) captures the rise of a modern, individualistic youth culture inspired by global hip hop, signaling a dramatic cultural shift from China's collectivist past. Together, these films illustrate how history, identity, and artistic expression shape evolving narratives of belonging and transformation.Center for East Asian and Pacific Studie
