Q&A With Filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Article here. Excerpt:

'Jennifer Siebel Newsom — director, producer, screenwriter, actress, speaker, mother of three, and wife to Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom — was at 2015 Sundance Film Festival to promote The Mask You Live In, the follow up to Miss Representation. The filmmaker talks to us about her latest documentary, redefining society’s definition of masculinity, and how we as individuals can set in motion a more responsible way to determine a man's "manliness."

EI: As a tireless advocate for women and girls and the oldest of five sisters, what intrinsically motivated you to make a film about the challenges faced by men?

I’ve always been curious, wondering “Why are men that way?” After Miss Representation, I knew that challenging gender injustices that limit girls and women was only half the story. I knew that real cultural change was only going to occur if we expose the damaging masculinity narrative that is fed to our boys and men.
...
EI: When it comes to challenging harmful definitions of masculinity, how do you suggest we even begin to address such a multidimensional problem?

JSN: It starts with introspection — we have to self-reflect. We must challenge definitions of masculinity, model the change we want to see, then seek it in mentors and teachers who will help our boys stay true to themselves. The Mask You Live In is not just a film — it’s a movement. This is just the beginning. We’re all coming together in a beautiful way, and the time is now. Our boys don't need to suffer, and they don’t need to live in pain.'