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Screening + Post-Film Discussion

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.

Pressured by the media, their peer group, and even the adults in their lives, our protagonists confront messages encouraging them to disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic friendships, objectify and degrade women, and resolve conflicts through violence. These gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become “real” men.

Experts in neuroscience, psychology, sociology, sports, education, and media also weigh in, offering empirical evidence of the “boy crisis” and tactics to combat it.

THE MASK YOU LIVE IN ultimately illustrates how we, as a society, can raise a healthier generation of boys and young men.

Meet the Panelists:

Braveheart Gillani, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at UNC Charlotte. His scholarship asks a simple, stubborn question: what makes belonging and wholeness possible for men who have been told wholeness is not theirs to have? Working at the level of macro social work and community development, his research and teaching trace how belonging becomes the bridge to wholeness and how communities, organizations, and systems can be redesigned to make that bridge available to more people. He explores these ideas at the personal, interpersonal and global level, considering both relational equity and time as tools of connection and belonging rather than othering.

Braveheart approaches masculinities through an intersectional lens, attentive to how race, gender, sexuality, and class shape who is granted access to belonging and wholeness, and who is denied it. His work spans working-class men in extractive industries learning a new language for what they feel, transmasculine people navigating new embodiment, and LGBTQ+ communities he has spent his career studying and standing alongside in their pursuit of health, safety, and flourishing.

Mathu Gibson is the founder of CTD and a former NFL player whose transition beyond professional sports revealed the identity challenges many athletes face. Guided by mentors who connected him with opportunities and helped him rediscover his sense of purpose beyond the game, Mathu was inspired to create CTD to provide that same support for the next generation of student-athletes.

With years of experience mentoring students and supporting athlete development through schools and community organizations, Mathu brings a commitment to helping young people recognize their potential both on and off the field. Since launching CTD’s inaugural Athlete Summit in 2023 at Harding University High School in Charlotte, he has continued to create spaces where student-athletes can develop clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose beyond their sport.

Jonathan Lindsay is a Charlotte-based community leader, mentor, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Nu Lambda Chapter. A graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where he earned a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics, he also holds an MBA in Information Technology Management from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

A longtime advocate for youth development and educational advancement, Brother Lindsay is the founder of the Alpha Academy Mentorship Program, an initiative of the Beta Nu Lambda Chapter dedicated to mentoring and empowering young men. Through leadership development, academic enrichment, exposure to career opportunities, and personal growth, the program seeks to equip young men with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to succeed beyond the classroom.

Brother Lindsay has also served in leadership within Beta Nu Lambda, including as chapter president, and has remained committed to Alpha Phi Alpha’s foundational principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. His work reflects a sustained commitment to investing in the next generation and strengthening the Charlotte community through mentorship, education, and service.

Rodney Stringfellow is an educator and screenwriter who has written on children’s series for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Disney Channel, PBS Kids and Sesame Workshop. In 2012, he was honored with two Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Writing/Animation and Outstanding Writing in a Children’s Series.

He is the writer and director of the short film, “Manhood” which was named Best Dramatic Short Film at the 2019 Arizona International Film Festival, Best Regional Film at the 2019 CineOdyssey Film Festival, and the winner of the Vasant & Champa Patel Most Creative Award at the 2019 Carolina Film Festival’s 2019 Emerging Directors Showcase.

Rodney currently teaches courses in screenwriting, film history and video production at UNC Charlotte. He received the College of Liberal Arts Part-time Lecturer Award for Teaching Excellence in 2014. Previously, Rodney taught screenwriting at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY.

Moderator:

John Burton, Jr. is a compassionate guide with over two decades of experience in clinical faith-based therapy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Winston-Salem State University and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, along with Clinical Pastoral Education from Atrium Health. Licensed and ordained clergy, he integrates spiritual direction with evidence-based therapies like CBT and Narrative Therapy.

He is in private practice at A Talk With John Counseling and Consulting. Beyond his therapeutic practice, John is the Chief Consultant of The Burton Group PR, serving Fortune 500 companies and influential ministries. His impactful presence has been recognized with numerous honors, including Legacy Maker by the 1865 Company. He also serves the community through roles with the Los Angeles Clippers, NFL Alumni Association, and various executive leadership positions on non-profit boards.

Promotional Support from the Beta Nu Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.