Let's Talk About Masculinity: New film

We Need To Talk About Masculinity, a new film from Catcher Media, is presented like a true-crime documentary: a series of characters talk about an incident in school between Max and Sophie. This incident and people’s responses to it, help viewers think about healthy masculinity. The film highlights the importance of communication, not bottling up emotion (especially when it comes to rejection and shame), emotional resilience, getting good advice from people you trust (and being aware that not everyone gives good advice), the careful use of social media, and respect for others and one’s self.

In a light touch way that translates well to our age group (from say, 12-16 years of age), while not pulling any punches, the film showcases the spiralling circumstances that can lead to verbal and physical harassment, physical and cyber-stalking. Importantly, especially in the school setting, it also shows that personal and group responsibility have a vital part to play in nurturing healthy masculinity. We see how people around the two central characters – friends, teachers, older siblings, step-father – affect their decision-making and their actions.

"Its a great resource!! Very impressive, it allows for lots of different avenues of discussion and debate for pupils to follow as led by a professional from various different agencies involved with that age group. I could imagine the film being used all over the country in schools for PSHE lessons and debates in tutor time etc. Very thought provoking generally!" Richard Knight (Headteacher) from Amberleigh Therapeutic School, Welshpool.

“Great work! This will be a great resource to get our young people reflecting and talking about masculinity." Kelly Adcock from Harmful Sexual Behaviour Team, Walsall Council.