The Maine Women's Network (MWN), in benefit of New Hope for Women, will present a screening of The Representation Project's film “The Mask You Live In” on Saturday, March 12 at The Strand Theater in Rockland. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the screening begins at 2.

“The Mask You Live In” explores how America’s narrow definition of masculinity is harming boys, men, and society at large, and inspires the viewer to take action.

Pressured by the media, their peer group, and even the adults in their lives, the protagonists in “The Mask You Live In” confront messages encouraging them to disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic friendships, objectify and degrade women, and resolve conflicts through violence. Gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become "real" men.

Coach and former NFL player Joe Ehrmann explains in the film, “The three most destructive words that every man receives when he is a boy is when he is told to ‘be a man.’”

After the film a discussion and Foundation of Manhood activity that will engage the entire audience in writing words that convey a broad and nuanced definition of manhood onto stones. These messaged stones will "build" the foundation for boys and young men to enjoy healthy and peaceful relationships.

Local men and boys who are committed to modeling what healthy relationships look like are stepping up to participate - either in person as ushers or post-film discussion participants at the event - or in New Hope for Women's Boys Groups in the weeks preceding the event.

New Hope for Women's Youth Educators co-facilitate Boys Groups with positive male role models in middle and high schools in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties. Here the boys have a chance to observe male and female co-facilitators and other boys in the group working collaboratively, valuing each other's thoughts and opinions, and treating each other with respect as they create a trusting group atmosphere.

Additionally, The Waldo County Sherriff's Department will be devoting a substantial part of an officer's meeting in February to studying these issues and contributing to the Foundation of Manhood activity that will follow the film.

In 2015, The Maine Women's Network, a statewide organization whose mission is to increase women's professional growth and leadership skills through networking and education, presented a benefit screening of the film Miss Representation, which explores how mainstream media contributes to cultural misperceptions about the roles and capabilities of women.

It also offered a series of leadership opportunities to a group of young women as part of New Hope for Women's school-based violence prevention programming. The students, along with their New Hope advisor, planned the post-show activity for last year's event; presented to the Maine Women's Network at its October 2015 meeting; attended two Maine Women's Network presentations and enjoyed interacting with women leaders; and had the opportunity to participate in the BBC's 100 Women debate along with MWN State Chair Karen Brace.

Tickets, $10/adults and $5/high school students can be purchased in advance at nhfw.ejoinme.org/MaskYouLiveIn through March 11, and at the door on the day of the show.

This year’s benefit will enable New Hope for Women to provide domestic and dating violence programming in the 109 schools it serves. New Hope for Women offers support to people in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties affected by domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. It also provides important educational resources to assist our communities in creating a safer and healthier future.

The Strand Theater is located at 245 Main Street in Rockland.

Learn more at www.newhopeforwomen.org or call 1-800-522-3304.