SANTA MONICA—On Saturday, March 9, the Santa Monica Public Library will be hosting a Q&A after the screening of “Mask” (1985) with the Oscar-nominated screenwriter Anna Hamilton Phelan.

As a part of its annual Reads Series of Events, which encourages library patrons to read and discuss a new novel every year, the Main Library Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium will have a showing of the film “Mask.”

As with the protagonist for this year’s book, “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio, the main character, Rocky faces the struggles of dealing with a facial deformity due to a certain health conditions, and battling with a society fixed on appearance rather than substance.

Santa Monica Public Library

Phelan, who also co-wrote “Girl Interrupted” (1996), and “In Love and War” (1999), will answer questions after the screening, which begins at 2:00 p.m. at 601 Santa Monica Boulevard.

The film focuses on the real-life story of Rocky Dennis, played by Eric Stoltz from “Butterfly Effect” and “Pulp Fiction,” and his mother Rusty, played by singer Cher, while they rely on the support of unlikely friends and family during difficult times.

The event is free and open to all ages. For more information on Santa Monica Public Library programs, visit smpl.org or contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600.

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