Posts in La Cinematheque
Lives Remembered - Japanese Cinematic Masterpieces

New Series at The Clairidge, Montclair

Master of Japanese cinema
In partnership with Montclair Film

We are proud to launch a powerful new series highlighting personal, political, and poetic journeys in Iranian cinema. Each film will be introduced by Gerard Amsellem and Dr. Golbarg Rekabtalaei, Associate Professor at Seton Hall University and co-curator of the series.

Screening Schedule:

  • Feb 15 – Ikuru  dir. Kurosawa

  • March 22-  Tokyo Story  Ozu

  • April 12 –The Life of Oharu -Mizoguchi

  • May 03 – Empire of passion-Oshima

  • June 14 After Life-Kore-Eda

About the Series:
Master of Japanese Cinema will cover Japanese cinema from 1953 to 1998 

these directors made Japanese’s cinema known internationally and are at the base of world cinema. These series will l build for the first time viewer. A great experience to discover this great cinema and if it is the second time or more a different way of understand the complexity of this cinema  



La CinemathequeGerard AmsellemComment
The Foundations of European Cinema part 2 – Soma Adult School

The Foundations of European Cinema part 2 – Soma Adult School

Sundays: Institute of Cinema Studies – Riker Hill

This fall, join us for a four-week series exploring the roots of European cinema. Each screening will be paired with historical and cultural commentary, placing the films in their broader context within cinema history.

Dates: 

02/22/2026.  2 pm Wild strawberries Bergman 

03/29/2026 2 PM La Strada-Fellini

04/26/2-26 2 pm  L’Avventura  Antonioni

05/17/2026 2pm Contempt Godard

06-28-2026 2pm Death in Venice Visconti


Tickets: Available through the South Orange–Maplewood Adult School for the all 5 films 

Or by purchasing a single ticket for 25 dollars at the door 

We’re thrilled to present this program in our brand-new cinema space at Riker Hill—designed for watching, understanding, and discussing film. This intimate 25-seat venue will debut with this series and will continue to host curated screenings of international cinema.

Please note: Seating is limited. Priority will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

To support the development of this space, we’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign. Every contribution—large or small—helps us create a welcoming home for passionate cinephiles.

https://newwaveproductions.org/fundraiser
Thank you for your support

La CinemathequeGerard AmsellemInstitute of Art and Film Studies at the Riker Hill Art Parksoma part 2 2025Comment
Spring 2024 - Independent World Cinema Series at CinemaLab SOPAC

After more than two years of collaborating with Cinema Lab, we’ve decided to rent one of their theaters to screen more contemporary foreign and independent films. As we’ve done in the past at SOPAC, this will be a film series open only to members. By purchasing a membership you gain entry to all films in the series. 

Contemporary Foreign Films is the name of the series and will begin in April. Please support our vision by becoming a member and sending a check to:  New Waves Productions, 60 Ridgeway Avenue, West Orange,  NJ 07052. Membership fees is for three films: Adults $60, Seniors $50, Students $30 

By purchasing the film series in South Orange you become a member and support La Cinematheque. No individual seats are sold during a film series. Although we can’t sell individual tickets, you can bring a guest to one of our films so they can experience our organization, free of charge.  Let's bring as many people as possible to come and make this series a great success!

The dates and times for the films will be April 21 at 2:30, May 5 at 2:30,  and June 23 at 2:30. Film titles and more detail information to follow in our next newsletter. 

The Eight Mountains - April 21st at 2:30 PM

Afire - May 5th at 2:30 PM

The Blue Caftan - June 23rd at 2:30 PM

La CinemathequeGerard AmsellemCinemalab Comment