(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Montclair Film has announced the launch of 505 FILM + FRIENDS, a new, inclusive sensory-friendly screening and socializing group for young people. The program will feature film screenings, discussions for small groups, and opportunities to socialize and meet new friends in the warm, welcoming environment of Montclair Film’s Cinema505. The groups meet twice monthly, with Teens aged 14-18 meeting on Fridays from 4:00pm - 7:00pm, and Young Adults aged 18-26 meeting on Sundays from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Using the medium of film, students will be provided with the opportunity to explore their own real-life challenges and begin to learn about film and filmmaking. Discussions will integrate film vocabulary such as narrative, theme, main and supporting characters, set design, costume design, continuity, careers, genres, as well as storytelling techniques.
Montclair Film + Education is partnering with Dr. David Steinke, PhD, School Psychologist & Private Practice, Melissa Schaffer, Arts Educator, BFA Theatre Arts, Theatre, Music, Certified Movement Specialist, Playwright, and Dr. Priya Lalvani, Advisor, PhD, Associate Professor of Disability Studies, Montclair State University, who will be providing facilitation and advisory services for all 505 Film + Friends programs.
“Montclair Film always seeks to reach a broad range of audiences through the power of film,” said Montclair Film Education Director Sue Hollenberg. “505 Film + Friends provides a positive, thought-provoking, and welcoming environment for people with and without disabilities to leverage the magic of movies to inspire creativity, develop social skills, build confidence, and make connections.”
To see a complete schedule and register for 505 Film + Friends, click here and select the appropriate age group for your needs.
Scholarships are Available for Qualified Students. To Apply, click here.
ABOUT MONTCLAIR FILM
Montclair Film, a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, nurtures and showcases the talents of filmmakers from around the region and world. Montclair Film unites, empowers, educates, and celebrates our region’s diverse cultural heritage and robust artistic community by presenting engaging programs and events all year long. The seventh annual Montclair Film Festival will take place from April 27 through May 6, 2018. Montclair Film’s year-round and festival programming is made possible through generous support from Investors Bank; Audible; Hackensack Meridian Health; the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey; Ashenfelter, Slous, McDonough, Golia & Trevenen, LLP; Chubb; Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; and William H. Connolly & Co., and others. Our programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism and New Jersey State Council on the Arts. For information about Montclair Film, visit www.montclairfilm.org
ABOUT THE EDUCATORS
Dr. David Steinke is a NJ state licensed psychologist whose specialties include working with adolescents and young adults whose emotional and academic issues impact their pursuit of academic success and emotional wellness. He works in Montclair High School and maintains a private practice in Montclair, NJ, and has expertise in Asperger’s Disorder, Anxiety, ADHD, and Social Skills deficits. Dr. Steinke is Nationally Certified and holds a PhD in Educational Psychology with a specialization in School Psychology from the City University of New York (CUNY) and a Master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia. He is a 2017 recipient of the Governor’s Educational Support Professional of the Year award.
Melissa Schaffer, Teaching Artist, is an actress/musician/teacher/playwright/Certified movement specialist. Her BFA from Boston University and vast experience as a performer and teacher in NYC, NJ and regionally is the foundation of a lifelong pursuit of inspiring individuals to explore and discover more about themselves, each other, their communities, and the world at large through active engagement in the arts. Melissa has been a leader of the Montclair SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) and is an advocate for people with disabilities.
Dr. Priya Lalvani, Advisor, is an Associate Professor of disability studies and inclusive education at Montclair State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the City University of New York (CUNY) and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Columbia University. She has extensive professional experience working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Her research is focused on disability oppression, and on the marginalization of individuals with disabilities in schools and society. Her work is published widely in academic journals.
