Media Release – The Mask You Live In

DOCUMENTARY FILM TO SCREEN ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2015 AT THE MONARCH THEATRE – PRESENTED BY THE SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE COMMITTEE (SARC) AND THE KIND COMMUNITIES ALLIANCE (KCA)

The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating society’s narrow definition of masculinity. Written, produced and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the film premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2015. Newsom’s first film Miss Representation premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, and exposed the ways in which mainstream media contributes to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence.

Local Screening:  There will be a local screening of The Mask You Live In on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 1:30pm located in the Monarch Theatre.  Entry is by donation.

Everyone who wants to raise healthy men/boys is invited to attend the screening. 

The documentary presents interviews with young boys and men, highlighting their struggles with society’s limited definition of ‘masculinity.’ The film 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.

“Boys and men need positive role models and realistic expectations of masculinity. The media and gender stereotypes of our culture do not offer this,” says Corinna Roth-Beacome, Chair of Kind Communities Alliance (KCA). “While there is an ever-growing awareness of society’s impact on women/girls, there is an equal need for us to look at society’s impact on men/boys,” adds Christina Johnson, Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Response Committee (SARC). “Our current view of masculinity does not allow for a broad spectrum of emotion and relates the use of violence with respect. A lack of this discussion is one of the root causes of men’s experiences of mental health concerns, suicide, and increased violence. We are bringing this film to our region to start this conversation.”

For more information about the Medicine Hat screening, please contact Richelle Oerlemans: 

PH: 403-548-2717 or sarccommunications@gmail.com

For more information on the documentary including the trailer, please visit: www.themaskyoulivein.org