Community Speaker Series to Present Documentary 'The Mask You Live In'

Submitted by Hinsdale Township High School District 86.

Hinsdale, IL - Hinsdale Township High School District 86 has announced registration is open for the third installment of the Community Speaker Series featuring the documentary, “The Mask You Live In.”

The documentary explores the topic of masculinity, how masculinity is defined and its impact on society. Viewer discretion is advised.

The 87-minute, “Youth Version” of the documentary will be presented at the Hinsdale Central High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Feb. 24, and again at the Community House at 9 a.m. Feb. 25. After each presentation, there will be a panel discussion to discuss the film. The panel will be led by local social workers, counselors and educators who can share their insight and expertise on this subject.

“This documentary is aimed at parents, educators and coaches to prepare them for these important conversations,” said Janelle Dimitriou from the Hinsdale Parent Teacher Organization. “We hope that this film will impart a new perspective on the role masculinity plays in our culture, how it affects all of our interpersonal relationships and how we raise and treat our boys.”

Due to the sensitive and graphic themes presented, viewer discretion is advised. Please note that there are two versions of the documentary, the 90-minute feature length film and the 87-minute “Youth Version.” While neither version has been rated by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), both sessions of the Series will feature the “Youth Version.” This documentary contains language that some may find objectionable as well as some graphic footage related to drinking, drugs, sexuality and abuse.

Presentations are free but registration is required at d181foundation.org.

“The Mask You Live In” was directed, produced and written by Jennifer Siebel Newsom and debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015. A graduate of Stanford University and Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, Newsom also wrote, directed and produced the 2011 documentary, Miss Representation.

The Community Speaker Series is presented through the cooperation of Hinsdale Township High School District 86, School District 181, the District 181 Foundation and the Community House. New York Times money columnist and author of “The Opposite of Spoiled” Ron Lieber will complete the 2015-2016 series with presentations on April 13 and 14. For more information on the entire series, click here.