The Mask You Live In, showing April 30 at the Maya Cinema, is the fifth film in a series that depicts the challenges students and teachers face in providing quality public education, and how the community can help or hinder that process.

Sponsored by CTA’s Sierra Service Center Council, the film is part of the “Our Youth: The Future” series that addresses current issues relevant to education, society and unionism. Each film features a question and answer session with community members.

Speakers prior to the showing are Julian West, Bakersfield College, Ken Cooper, retired probation officer, and Fred Thomas, USC graduate. “We invite the community to watch these films, and then to discuss the issues so we can all have a better understanding of what our students are going through. Hopefully, these discussions will provide a better understanding regarding what students and teachers need to succeed,” said Karen Schuett, film festival coordinator, elementary teacher and Panama-Buena Vista Teachers Association member.

Stephen and his son Jackson in the fillm, The Mask You Live In.

The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. Compared to girls, boys in the U.S., are more likely to be diagnosed with a behavior disorder, prescribed stimulant medications, fail out of school, binge drink, commit a violent crime, and/or take own lives.

Click here for The Mask You Live In Movie Link / Movie Trailer

The film begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Maya Cinema, 1000 California Ave. in Bakersfield. Admission is free on a first-come basis. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by emailing kschuett8@gmail.com.  For more information call film Schuett  at 661-301-4415.

Schuett says CTA members will be collecting items for the Bakersfield College Food Pantry, including food, toiletries, school supplies and clothing. Each  person making a donation will receive a free bag of popcorn.

The last film in the series, Backpack Full of Cash, will be shown May 21.

“As educators we want our students to have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed,” Schuett. “We hope these films will help the community understand the issues and how they impact, positively and negatively, the academic lives of our students.

The CTA Sierra Service Center Council consists of 43 local CTA teachers’ unions in Kern County.