Film Screening:

MY MASCULINITY HELPS

(Marc A. Grimmett and David Hambridge, 2013, USA, in English, Color, Digital)

-- Introduced by co-director and NCSU Prof. Marc Grimmett (Q&A to follow)!

MY MASCULINITY HELPS explores the role of African American men and boys in the prevention of sexual violence. It shows African American male allies (psychologist, professor, peer educator, attorney, pastor, athlete, middle and high school students, activist) demonstrating understanding and support for survivors of sexual violence. Strategies for assistance and prevention are provided. Survivors also share their stories and what has helped them. The film serves as a counter-narrative to often inaccurate and misleading portrayals of African American masculinity. Our goal is to engage boys and men in the deconstruction of gender roles, masculinity, and power and in the prevention sexual violence. It can be used in schools, colleges, and athletic, professional, community, and faith-based organizations.

This project was supported by Grant No. 2011-WM-AX-K016 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

Grant was managed by the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS:

Marc A. Grimmett, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education at North Carolina State University. He is also a licensed psychologist with specialized training in working with survivors of sexual abuse. He has over 14 years of professional mental health experience working with community, educational, and private organizations. MY MASCULINITY HELPS is his first documentary film.

David Hambridge is a Raleigh, NC based filmmaker. His interest lies in documentary filmmaking, mixed-media production, and experimenting with all forms of visual storytelling. His work has ranged from directing documentary assignments abroad, editorial work on various television shows, to commercials for Fortune 500 companies or grass root nonprofits.MY MASCULINITY HELPS   is his first long-form documentary film. His other work can be seen at: davidhambridge.com.

Cost: Free and open to the public

Sponsors: The Women's Center and the Program in the Arts of the Moving Image (AMI).