Episode 104: Viola Lasmana, Department of American Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick

In this episode, host Francine Barchett interviewed Dr. Viola Lasmana, a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of American Studies at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Emerging Voices Fellow at the American Council of Learned Societies. Dr. Lasmana discussed Southeast Asian feminist practices by examining two experimental documentaries: Children of Srikandi (2012) and Surname Viet Given Name Nam (1989). She explains how these films activate a poetics of collaboration and generate a "shadow imagination," which enables new ways of articulating marginalized women's lives beyond the specter of the nation. Finally, Dr. Lasmana offers her insight about pursuing a career in Southeast Asian Studies.   Lightning Round: 3:43 Research and lecture summary: 8:00 Advice for researchers and recommendations: 27:20 Dr. Viola Lasmana's Top Recommendations: "You and I" (2020) by Fanny Chotimah Cigarette Girl The music on the podcast is from "Me and Some Friends", a musical project by a group of friends at Cornell, to experiment with how the beautiful timbres of Gamelan music can meld with hypnotic guitar parts to create a contemplative and unique experience. Check them out here.    Produced by Neen Tangcharoenmonkong and Kelly Ryoo.