BCNC’s YouLead youth leaders hosted a public screening of Surrender, the short film by filmmaker Jess Dang and starring Andrea Bang (Kim’s Convenience), at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts. The event brought together youth from Boston, Quincy, Malden, and Everett for a conversation on mental health, AAPI representation, and problem gambling.

Youth leaders Ryan and Cecilia opened the program and served as emcees. Welcoming remarks were delivered by representatives from key partners, including Victor Ortiz from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling Services; State Senator John Keenan; Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn; and Matthew Gifford, Director of Partnerships in the Community Engagement Division at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.

Filmmaker Jess Dang shared insights into the creation of Surrender, which follows Naomi, a young Asian woman confronting family trauma while navigating the pull of blackjack as a coping mechanism.

“For me, as an Asian American woman, it is particularly important for me to change the narrative of how mainstream media portrays gambling and distorts reality,” Dang shared.

Attendees then watched the film and heard from a youth-led panel featuring Dang and youth, including youth leaders from BCNC’s YouLead program, the Everett Haitian Community Center, and Chinese Culture Connection. Panelists reflected on the importance of culturally resonant storytelling and discussed mental health, identity, and the pressures facing AAPI and immigrant youth today.

The event highlighted BCNC’s ongoing work to promote wellness and address problem gambling through community-driven initiatives funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services. It also showcased the impact of YouLead, BCNC’s year-round leadership and wellness program where youth explore issues such as mental health, gambling prevention, and social change through hands-on projects.

Thank you to our community partners, Everett Haitian Community Center and the Chinese Culture Connection for collaborating with us to uplift youth voices and promote community wellness.