Film & Filmmaker Series Breaks the Silence on Asian American Mental Health

As part of its On Screen/In Person film and filmmaker series, the Ware Center for the Arts at Millersville University, located at 42 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, presents a screening of "Silent War: Asian American Reckonings with Mental Health" on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 7 p.m. The free event includes a thought-provoking community panel discussion and a post-screening Q&A with the filmmakers.

"Silent War: Asian American Reckonings with Mental Health" is a groundbreaking documentary that confronts the deep silence surrounding mental illness in Asian American communities. Through intimate stories of struggle, survival and healing, the film explores how cultural stigma, intergenerational trauma, racism and systemic neglect have shaped the mental health experiences of families from diverse Asian backgrounds.

Featuring raw personal testimonies, expert insights and emotional family reckonings, "Silent War" reveals the human cost of staying silent-and the power of breaking that silence. At once personal and political, the film charts a collective journey from shame to resilience, offering hope for a more inclusive and compassionate mental health future.

Pre-Screening Community Discussion Panel

At 6:15 p.m., there will be a pre-screening community panel discussion with Margaret Thorwart, Director, Millersville University Center for Health Education & Promotion; Meagan Howell-Brogan, Head of Counseling Services, Franklin & Marshall College; Irma Do, Coordinator, Faith Communities Partnership, Mental Health America Lancaster; and Sandy Chen, featured in Silent War, who is currently pursuing a degree in psychology at UMBC with the aim of continuing her passion for mental health advocacy.

Post-Screening Q&A

At 7 p.m., there will be a free screening of the documentary. Following the film, there will be a Q&A with Director Dr. Changfu Chang and Assistant Director A.C. Brooke.

Accessibility Services

The Ware Center for the Arts strives to make performances accessible to all patrons. Specific accessibility services available at this performance include ASL interpretation for the pre-screening panel discussion and the post-screening Q&A. The film is captioned.

Ticket Information

Tickets are free but are required for entry. To reserve tickets, visit www.artsmu.com, call 717-871-7600, or visit the Ware Center for the Arts, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, or the Student Memorial Center box office on the Millersville University campus.

About Director Changfu Chang

Changfu Chang is an award-winning filmmaker who has produced a series of documentaries on identities and cultural issues. His releases include Ricki's Promise, winner of several awards at prestigious international film festivals and part of the Smithsonian Institution's series on cultural identity in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2016; and "Meet Me on the Bridge," a BBC documentary that was viewed by over 60 million people within several months when first released on the BBC website in 2018.

About the Ware Center for the Arts

Millersville University's Ware Center for the Arts provides access to exceptional artists and educational experiences through the presentation of inclusionary cross-cultural performances, visual arts, films, special events, faculty and student activities and youth and community outreach programs.

About Our Supporting Partners

The Millersville University 2025-2026 Visual and Performing Arts Season is made possible by support from Platinum Partner Clark Associates; Gold Partner Rick & Jessica Rodgers; Silver Partners Holiday Inn Lancaster - Imperial Event Center and 12:34 MicroTechnologies; and Media Partner WITF. This season's Luminary Donors include Frederick & Heike Bloom, John & Susan Garofola, Paul & Judy Ware and Alan K. Wyand & Robert L. Shoener. Legacy support comes from the estate of Nancy N. Tanger. Accessibility services are made possible by support from Chuck & Janice Mazzitti. Foundation and grant support comes from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, the Lancaster County Community Foundation, the Ferree Foundation, the High Foundation, the Rodgers Family Charitable Foundation and the Tecumseh Milestone Foundation.