Addressing the Stigma: Mental Health in Asian American Communities

According to independent filmmaker Dr. Changfu Chang, Millersville University professor in the Department of Communication & Theatre, his most recent documentary "Silent War: Asian American Reckonings with Mental Health" is deeply personal.

The documentary aims to both examine and challenge the stigmas surrounding mental illness in Asian American communities by investigating the roles race, identity and language play in these complex issues at a time when suicide is a leading cause of death for Asian American/Pacific Islander youth.

Throughout the film, viewers hear from individuals located across the United States, from teenagers to veteran journalists, who share their stories and experiences with mental illnesses - in some cases, for the very first time.

"'Silent War' is the most difficult documentary I've ever made," shares Chang. "I conducted more than 60 interviews over five years." He shares that the team encountered people who withdrew from interviews. "These experiences were things they would never discuss with their most intimate friends. In these communities, people sometimes refuse mental health treatment. There is a lack of conversation or support."

Chang says that in some Asian cultures, public displays of affection and or even saying, "I love you," to family members is not commonplace. "The parents often literally speak different languages than their children. They are not versed in communication on mental health issues or may not even have the language to describe it. This is a global experience.'"

During filming, Chang says during the many interviews he conducted he was able to create a safe space with the subjects, which he found encouraging. "I took my time to build trust with them. I was so surprised here that the many members of the community who came forward who were totally willing to share their stories at the risk of retraumatizing themselves. But they wanted to do it to help others."

Chang recalls times during filming where he needed to take breaks. "The project became deeply personal," he says. "I often found myself tearing up during those interviews. These people brought us into their own spaces to share very painful things for the benefit of others. I am very grateful to them."

Aside from Chang himself, there were several other Millersville University connections to the project. He often involves students and faculty members as collaborators on his projects. For "Silent War," then-student Allison Connelly '23, who goes by A.C. Brooke in the industry, served as an assistant director.

She began working with Chang in September of 2021. Previously, Brooke notes that she didn't have much of an interest in video, focusing instead on pursuing her interests in writing and photography. "I've had the privilege of watching the project grow over the past four-and-a-half years," she shares. "Early in production, I helped film, come up with ideas for scenes, created interview transcripts and provided feedback on rough cuts. Then, as we approached the documentary's completion, my tasks became more marketing-oriented: designing a website, contacting the media, coordinating screenings, creating a press kit and even the film's official poster.

"While I recognize having an extra set of hands was no doubt a huge asset, I also know that's not why Dr. Chang enlisted my help. He did it for me. Like for many of the other students Dr. Chang has taken under his wing over the years, this was an opportunity to gain real-world experience and take my education beyond the classroom. In doing so, I got to see firsthand how powerful it is to use doing what you love to serve the greater community."

Brooke also notes that seeing the impact the film has had on individuals and its success on the festival circuit has been gratifying. "Our small team has finally been able to breathe again and reap the fruits of our labor - and that's probably rendered the most valuable takeaway: all these little baby steps, they lead somewhere," she shares. "Overall, it was truly an invaluable opportunity that deeply shaped my time at Millersville, and one I hope current students can experience in their own way."

Professor of music technology Dr. Barry Atticks employed the creative talents of his students to create music for the film. Music industry major Brahm Bean composed a song named after the film, "The Silent War," with lyric help from fellow Marauders Elizabeth Allen and Logan Ressler.

The community is invited to attend a free screening of the film, along with a pre-show community panel and post-show Q&A with Chang and Brooke on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Ware Center in downtown Lancaster. The panel begins at 6:15 p.m. American Sign Language interpretation will be available for the pre-screening panel discussion and the post-screening Q&A. The film is captioned.

To learn more about the film, visit silentwarmovie.com

To see more of Chang's award-winning documentaries, check out "Ricki's Promise" (2014) or Meet Me on the Bridge (2017).