Grauer School to screen ‘The Mask you Live in’ documentary

As one of its popular “Great Conversations” events, The Grauer School is hosting a screening of “The Mask you Live in,” a documentary that 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, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015.

Following the 6 p.m. screening, set for Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at Meyer Hall on The Grauer School campus, 1500 S. El Camino Real, will be a panel discussion. The panelists are: Tony Hawk, professional skateboarder, actor, owner of Birdhouse skateboard company and founder of the Tony Hawk Foundation (www.tonyhawkfoundation.org) that builds skateparks for youth in underprivileged areas; Hanalei Vierra, Ph.D., Psychotherapist and Relationship Coach for men and author of a soon-to-be released book, “The True Heart of a Man: How Healthy Masculinity Will Transform Your Life, Your Relationships, and The World”; Joe Sigurdson, co-founder of Boys to Men Mentoring (www.boystomen.org); Billy Moore, President and CEO of the ABC “Any Body Can” Youth Foundation (www.abcyouthfoundation.org); and Vann Parker, Boy Scout leader, Indian Guide leader, volunteer youth sports coach and classroom volunteer.

Throughout its 25-year history, The Grauer School has presented “Great Conversations” events to engage in a dialogue with the community about some of society’s most critical educational issues, a news release said. To continue this important dialogue, Grauer will present a screening of “The Mask you Live in,” a documentary that 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.

“Just as our culture has harmed women and girls, so too are we harming our boys, which has led to a ‘boy crisis’ in America,” Newsom said in the release. “Our intention is that this film sparks a national conversation around masculinity and helps our boys overcome limiting stereotypes, encouraging them to stay true to themselves.”

Dr. Stuart Grauer, founder and headmaster of The Grauer School, added “This documentary presents an eye-opening view of the issues facing boys and young men in today’s society, which is a very important topic of discussion for parents and educators alike. The film provides a common narrative for us to understand and discuss strategies for helping boys navigate the difficult and emotional process of growing up. At The Grauer School, we believe that mentoring by teachers and developing personal relationships with students is a critical element in raising emotionally healthy young men. Relationship-based education is not just a feel-good concept, it’s also a powerful strategy for emotional development.”

To RSVP, visit www.grauerschool.com/events.

— Submitted press release