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

Gatty Lecture Rewind Podcast

In this episode, Francine 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.