The Mayhew Program will host a screening of Gone Guys on Wednesday, September 2, at 6 p.m. at Sweeney Hall Auditorium on the NHTI campus in Concord. A panel discussion exploring the topics raised in the documentary will follow the film.
The 45-minute documentary examines the growing disconnection many boys and young men experience from school, work, and their communities. Through personal stories, data, and expert perspectives, Gone Guys explores issues ranging from academic struggles and isolation to substance abuse and radicalization.
The film also looks at how communities can respond to these challenges and better support boys and young men.
‘Gone Guys’ Explores a Growing National Concern
Produced by Well Told Films, Gone Guys premiered in Vermont in July 2025 and has since been featured at more than 100 community screenings across the country.
Set in rural Vermont, the documentary pairs national data with the experiences of young men, educators, mentors, and programs working to address the challenges facing boys today.
The film draws in part from Richard V. Reeves’ book Of Boys and Men, which examines educational, economic, and social trends affecting boys and men.
Dan Smith, president and CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation, said concerns about the experiences of boys and young men are increasingly being raised by parents, educators, business owners, and others.
“Something is out of sync for many boys and young men, and it’s showing up in classrooms, job sites, and communities,” Smith said.
Smith also stressed that addressing these concerns does not have to come at the expense of efforts to expand opportunities for women and girls.
“As a community, we must hold two truths at once: that advancing opportunity for women and girls remains essential—and that boys and young men are struggling in ways we can no longer ignore,” Smith said.
Mayhew Program Works With New Hampshire Boys
Hosting the Concord screening is a natural extension of the Mayhew Program’s work with boys across New Hampshire. The nonprofit has served more than 2,500 boys since 1969.
Mayhew works with New Hampshire boys ages 10 to 18 through a tuition-free program combining a residential summer experience with year-round mentoring and support.
The summer program takes place on Mayhew Island in Newfound Lake, where participants take part in outdoor challenges, leadership development, and team-building activities. That support continues throughout the school year, with Mayhew’s professional outreach staff regularly meeting with participants in their home communities.
Mayhew’s long-term approach is centered around four ideals: respect, responsibility, community, and challenge.
‘Gone Guys’ Screening Details
The Gone Guys screening will take place Wednesday, September 2, at 6 p.m. at Sweeney Hall Auditorium on the NHTI campus in Concord, NH. A panel discussion will follow the film.
More information about the documentary, including its trailer and additional screenings, is available at goneguysfilm.com.
More information about the Mayhew Program is available at mayhew.org.
