CineLux Green Valley Cinema in Watsonville is screening a documentary film about youth and masculinity directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“The Mask You Live In” will be the main focus of a community screening and panel discussion on Wednesday. The film examines how societal pressures and narrow cultural expectations affect boys and young men. 

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The free event, hosted by Monarch Services and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education in partnership with the Watsonville Film Festival, Pajaro Valley Unified School District and CineLux Theaters, aims to open community dialogue around youth identity and emotional well-being.

Community tabling begins at 5 p.m, followed by the film screening at 6 p.m. and a Q&A panel discussion moderated by Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah.

The discussion will explore how cultural messaging affects young people, and how the community can support positive identity development among youth. Panelists will share insights about the challenges facing local students and the community-driven efforts towards creating healthier, more supportive spaces.

Spanish subtitles and panel interpretation will be offered in Spanish and Mixteco. Additional screenings are scheduled for Jan. 28 at the Capitola CineLux and Feb. 23 at the Scotts Valley CineLux.

Tickets for Wednesday’s screening are available here.

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Cecilia Schutz is a fourth-year anthropology and Spanish studies student at UC Santa Cruz. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she developed an interest in local news and community engagement over the course...