'The Mask You Live In'

Join Independent Film Society of Colorado and Rocky Mountain PBS for a free screening of “The Mask You Live In.”

“The Mask You Live In” is a powerful film that explores how our cultural definitions of masculinity itself may be a key component driving the proliferation of harassment against women.

We’ll follow this screening with a moderated discussion about how harassment is affecting our communities, and perhaps even learn about stories of success in changing the culture. Because that is what we need to do. Change the culture.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Dr. Tomi-Ann Roberts is a published writer and Professor of Psychology at Colorado College who specializes in objectification of girls and women in her research after a personal experience being harassed by Harvey Weinstein back in 1984 when she was an aspiring actress.

DISCUSSION FACILITATOR: Jan Isaacs Henry, Executive Director of KidPower.

“The Mask You Live In,” directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. Pressured by the media, their peer group, and even the adults in their lives, our protagonists confront messages encouraging them to disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic friendships, objectify and degrade women, and resolve conflicts through violence.

These gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become “real” men. Experts in neuroscience, psychology, sociology, sports, education, and media also weigh in, offering empirical evidence of the “boy crisis” and tactics to combat it.

“The Mask You Live In” ultimately illustrates how we, as a society, can raise a healthier generation of boys and young men.

[Not Rated | 1h 37m | 2015]