Haute 100 SF: Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s ‘The Mask You Live In’ Wins Two Major Awards

Earlier this spring, Jennifer Siebel Newsom debuted her latest documentary The Mask You Live In at the Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio, where she received a standing ovation. Most recently, the film won two major awards at the Las Vegas Film Festival: Best Achievement by a Woman Director and the Visionary Award.

The Mask You Live In explores how America’s narrow definition of masculinity is harming our boys, men and society at large, while urging viewers to take action. Since the film premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, which took place earlier this winter, it has sold-out seats at film festivals and community organizations around the world. Additionally, the film has generated international interest around the causes and effects of America’s restrictive definition of masculinity.

“We are grateful for the recognition of The Mask You Live In at the Las Vegas Film Festival,” Newsom said. “Everywhere I travel to screen the film, I am approached by men of all ages who tell me this film has changed their lives. I am hopeful that by catalyzing a conversation around what it means to be a man, we can truly build a healthier society for current and future generations.”

Adriana Shaw, panelist and judge at the festival and CEO of HerFLIX, said, “This is a very deserving accolade. These filmmakers are challenging our societal notions of what it means to be a man, masculinity, and the evolution of behaviors that affect society at large. This is a conversation that is leading our thinking on the subject. Given the gender gap in Hollywood, it is important to shine a light on the outstanding work being done by women filmmakers, and Jennifer is one of those women. And she is no stranger to the industry. Newsom’s previous film, Miss Representation, was an award-winning and highly acclaimed debut feature documentary.”

Since Newsom debut on to the acting and filmmaking realm she has become a force to be reckon with. With the launch of The Representation, a call-to-action movement that provides women and girls the tools to realize their full potential, the wife as well as mother-of-two has become recognized as a leader of a new generation of feminists.

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