Chicago, known for its rich comedy heritage, is set to celebrate its local comedic talent with the launch of Fun Size Cinema, a new screening series dedicated to showcasing short films, sketches, and other digital comedic works. The event, spearheaded by filmmaker Joelle Velez and her production company Sparkly Productions, will debut on Thursday, March 20th at 6 PM at The Revival theater in Chicago’s South Loop.

A Platform for Local Comedy

Fun Size Cinema is designed as a platform for Chicago’s comedians, filmmakers, and improvisers to share their creative work with a broader audience. The series highlights the city’s comedic spirit through curated screenings of diverse content, including short films, sketch comedy, music videos, and comedic documentaries. By fostering connections and collaboration among local creatives, the event aims to build a supportive community for comedy and filmmaking in Chicago.

Joelle Velez explained her inspiration for the series during an interview with WGN News: “Chicago has such a strong comedy legacy—think Harold Ramis and Ghostbusters. We wanted to create a space where local talent could thrive without needing to move to New York or Los Angeles.” She emphasized that Fun Size Cinema offers filmmakers and performers the opportunity to showcase their work while staying rooted in Chicago’s vibrant artistic ecosystem.

Joelle Velez: A Driving Force Behind the Initiative

Joelle Velez, an award-winning filmmaker and graduate of The Second City Film School, brings her extensive experience in comedy and filmmaking to this project. Her production company Sparkly Productions partnered with The Revival theater to bring this vision to life. Velez’s own film Sock It To Me, which has garnered awards like Best Art Comedy at the Katra Film Series Comedy Film Festival, will be featured at the inaugural screening.

Velez’s career reflects her commitment to storytelling and comedy. Her previous works have been selected for over 20 film festivals worldwide, earning multiple awards. With training in improvisation, stand-up comedy, and acting, she is well-equipped to lead this initiative that celebrates Chicago’s comedic talent.

What Audiences Can Expect

The debut screening of Fun Size Cinema will feature nine short films from local creators. Unlike traditional film festivals that often prioritize dramatic or experimental works, this series focuses entirely on comedy—providing a unique space for sketch comedy and other humorous formats that are often overlooked.

Attendees can expect a movie-going experience filled with laughter and creativity. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to network or simply a comedy enthusiast, Fun Size Cinema promises an evening of entertainment that highlights the exceptional talent within Chicago’s comedy scene.

Continuing Chicago’s Comedy Legacy

By creating opportunities for local comedians and filmmakers to showcase their work, Fun Size Cinema aims to continue Chicago’s legacy as a hub for groundbreaking comedy. As Velez stated during her interview: “There’s so much amazing stuff being made here that people don’t always get the chance to see. We want to create that stage for them.” This initiative not only celebrates Chicago’s comedic roots but also paves the way for future stars in the industry3.

For those interested in attending or learning more about Fun Size Cinema, visit The Revival theater on March 20th at 906 S. Wabash Avenue. Prepare for an evening of laughter, creativity, and community as Chicago’s comedic talent takes center stage.

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The highly anticipated Jurassic World: Rebirth is set to storm theaters on July 2, 2025, promising an action-packed adventure that will captivate audiences worldwide. Directed by Gareth Edwards, known for his work on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, this film marks a new chapter in the beloved franchise, blending elements of classic Spielberg adventures with a modern twist.

Plot Overview

Jurassic World: Rebirth takes place five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion. The Earth’s environment has proven inhospitable to dinosaurs, forcing them to retreat to remote tropical regions. In this setting, a pharmaceutical company funds an expedition to the original Jurassic Park research facility, now home to the most dangerous and mutated dinosaurs that were deemed unsuitable for the original park.

Led by Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a skilled covert operations specialist, and her trusted ally Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali), the team aims to extract DNA from the largest surviving dinosaurs. This genetic material holds the key to a revolutionary drug capable of curing human heart disease. However, their mission becomes complicated when they encounter a shipwrecked family whose boat was capsized by aquatic dinosaurs.

Cast and Crew

The film boasts an impressive cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey as Dr. Henry Loomis, and Rupert Friend as Martin Krebs, a representative from Big Pharma. The crew also includes Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Ed Skrein. With Steven Spielberg serving as an executive producer, the film promises to deliver the same awe-inspiring moments that made the original Jurassic Park a classic.

Themes and Expectations

Jurassic World: Rebirth is described as a mix of a heist movie and classic Spielberg adventures, drawing inspiration from films like Jaws and Indiana Jones. The film explores themes of survival, coexistence, and the ethical implications of genetic experimentation, offering a fresh narrative within the franchise.

Production and Visuals

Principal photography for Jurassic World: Rebirth took place in Thailand, Malta, and the UK from June to September 2024. The film promises stunning visuals and intense survival moments, with a gripping storyline that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Conclusion

With its blend of action, adventure, and suspense, Jurassic World: Rebirth is poised to captivate both old and new fans of the franchise. As it roars into theaters on July 2, 2025, audiences can expect an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave them eager for more.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

In a historic move, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 1, 2025, designating English as the official language of the United States. This marks the first time in the nation’s nearly 250-year history that a federal-level official language has been established4.

The executive order effectively rescinds a mandate from former President Bill Clinton, which required federal agencies and recipients of federal funds to provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency. However, the new order allows agencies to voluntarily maintain these support services if they choose to do so.

According to the White House, the directive aims to “foster unity, nurture a shared American culture among all citizens, ensure consistency in governmental functions, and establish a pathway to civic participation”. The order emphasizes that “a nationally designated language is fundamental to a unified society, and the United States is enriched by a populace that can freely share ideas in a common language”.

This executive action comes at a time when linguistic diversity in the United States is on the rise. Current estimates indicate that about one in ten people communicates in a language other than English, a figure that has more than tripled since 1980. More than 30 states have already passed laws designating English as their official language.

Proponents of the order argue that it will streamline communication, reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society. The White House statement suggests that “establishing English as the official language fosters unity, enhances efficiency in governmental operations, and creates avenues for civic participation”.

However, the initiative has sparked criticism from pro-immigration advocates and some Democratic officials. Critics argue that the policy could marginalize non-English speakers, create barriers to citizenship, and reduce access to essential government services. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York remarked, “Like many of the other executive actions taken, we will need to assess whether what he is doing is legally compliant with the law and the U.S. Constitution”.

As the debate over this executive order continues, its long-term effects on American society, immigration policy, and cultural identity remain to be seen. The coming months and years will likely reveal how this policy shift impacts the diverse linguistic landscape of the United States.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life