Sundance Film Festival Documentary film “The Mask You Live In” probes toxic masculinity in America.
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“It’s not just about boys, not just about men, and it’s not just about parents and mentors – we’re all in this together.” – Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Director and Producer of The Mask You Live In
I was forwarded The Mask You Live In trailer by my PTA Co-President from Marianne Cook, Director of Communications for The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School. The Trailer resonated with me so strongly as a man, parent, husband, person of color, and once boy, that I knew I had to see this film for myself and compelled to share this trailer with anyone who would take the time to view it.
This is a powerful film about an exploration of American masculinity. This is a topic vital to The Good Men Project mission and all of us who love and help raise boys into men. In my opinion, the crisis we find our boys and young men in today shows how we as a society need to do a much better job with the messages we send about what “being a man” in America entails.
Film Synopsis:
The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. Written, produced and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom (Miss Representation) of The Representation Project. The Representation Project is a movement that uses film and media content to expose injustices created by gender stereotypes and to shift people’s consciousness towards change. The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2015. The documentary presents the personal narratives of young boys and men and features experts in neuroscience, psychology, sociology, sports, education, and media, further exploring how gender stereotypes are interconnected with race, class, and circumstance. The Mask You Live In ultimately illustrates how we, as a society, can raise a healthier generation of boys and young men.
For educators to use this film as a teaching tool there is also a The Mask You Live In Curriculum guide. Included are learning objectives, a social-emotional learning framework, and tips for using the lessons. Plus key vocabulary, sample lessons, and exercises from K-2 grade, 3-5 grade, middle and high school, and university curricula as a special sneak peek. Learn more: http://goo.gl/eWd7ZO
For anyone in my local area in Essex County N.J. The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School is hosting a screening of the documentary The Mask You Live In, followed by a panel discussion with young men from CHS on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7pm. This film should be of interest to all families, however it’s suggested for middle school and high school students because of language & subject matter. Details and ticket info are below.
What: The Mask You Live In screening + Panel Discussion with young men from CHS. The panel will be moderated by Laura Booker, LCSW.
When: Thursday, October 15 at 7pm
Where: Columbia High School Library, Maplewood NJ
Tickets: Free for students with valid id and $15 for everyone else. Tickets will be sold at the door but pre-registration is advised due to space limitations. To register, call 973.378.7620 or stop by the Adult School office at CHS, Room A110. Adults can also register online at http://www.ssreg.com/som/classes/results.asp?string=mask.
Follow & Like The Mask You Live In on Facebook
Contact Marianne Cook directly (973) 378-7620, x8105 and follow The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School on Twitter and Like them on Facebook for all the Adult School news.
all art~ The Mask You Live In / The Representation Project