505 Films + Friends is an inclusive club where young people can gather in a safe, positive and thought-provoking environment to engage socially through the viewing and discussion of films.
Each screening allows members to explore their own lives in relation to the themes represented in the films with interactive discussions and activities led by a teaching artist and a professional psychologist. Participants will also have time to socialize and build friendships.
If you qualify for funding from DDD, our club is eligible for reimbursement.
For more information contact [email protected]. Scholarships may also be available.
2026 – 2027 classes will be in-person at Cinema505, 505 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ. Snacks will not be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks. Club members can participate via ZOOM if they can’t make it in person. We will have our conversation available via Zoom and you can rent the film separately to watch on your home TV.
We will not be able to screen share our films through zoom.
To make things easier for planning your schedule in advance, you can now register for the full year (as a package of 20 Meet Ups) or a School Year (Fall, Winter, Spring) (package of 16 classes). Register for 16 classes and Save $80, register for 20 and save $150!
Classes will be in-person at Cinema505, 505 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ. Snacks will not be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks.Club members can participate via ZOOM if they can’t make it in person. We will have our conversation available via Zoom and you can rent the film separately to watch on your home TV. We will not be able to screen share our films through zoom.
Summer: Thursday Evenings 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fall, Winter, Spring: Sundays 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Summer 2026: Thursdays - 7/16, 7/30, 8/6, 8/20 (4 Sessions 6:00pm - 9:00pm*)
Fall 2026: TBD (6 Sessions October-December)
Winter 2027: TBD (6 Sessions January - April)
Spring 2027: TBD (4 Sessions May - June)
* Dates and times may be subject to change
Full Year (Summer 2026 - Spring 2027): $850
Fall + Winter + Spring Package of 16 classes: $720
Summer or Spring Only: $200 (4 Sessions Each)
Fall or Winter only: $300 (6 Sessions Each)
Dr. David Steinke is a New Jersey state licensed psychologist whose specialties include working with adolescents and young adults who struggle with emotional and academic issues that impact their pursuit of academic success and emotional wellness. He works in Montclair High School and maintains a private practice in Upper Montclair, NJ. Dr. Steinke specializes in working with young people with issues related to Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and Social Skills deficits.
Melissa Schaffer, Teaching Artist, is an actress/musician/teacher. 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 is an NJPAC teaching artist, a certified movement specialist and an award-winning playwright.
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.
Most 505 Films + Friends sessions take place at Cinema505 which is fully wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices are available upon request for the film screening.
For specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us before the event at [email protected] or call (973) 783-6433 x 4013.
