Entertainment

King Charles III Honors Queen Elizabeth II on Anniversary of Her Death on September 8, 2023 at 1:58 am Us Weekly

Published

2 years ago

September 8, 2023

Sang Tan/WPA Pool/Getty Images

King Charles III shared a touching tribute honoring his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, one year after her passing.

“In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us,” Charles, 74, wrote via the royal family’s official social media pages on Thursday, September 7. “I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all. – Charles R.”

Alongside the heartfelt message, Charles — who ascended the throne immediately after Elizabeth died in September 2022 — shared a video montage. The clip featured an image of young Elizabeth as well as a photo of Charles, wife Queen Camilla and the late monarch waving to citizens of the United Kingdom.

Buckingham Palace announced in September 2022 that the queen, who ruled on the British throne for 70 years, had died at the age of 96. After Elizabeth’s casket lay in state in Scotland and England, the royal family held her state funeral later that month.

Prince William and Princess Kate attended the ceremony with their oldest two children: Prince George, 10, and Princess Charlotte, 8. Charles, meanwhile, was joined at the memorial by Camilla, 75, and Prince Harry attended the ceremony with wife Meghan Markle. (The Prince and Princess of Wales’ youngest child, Prince Louis, 5, along with Harry and Meghan’s two children, Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2, were not present for the service.)

Elizabeth’s funeral also served as a reunion between Harry, 38, Meghan, 42, and the rest of the royals. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been at odds with The Firm since their 2020 decision to step down from their senior royal duties. The queen’s funeral served as the second time Harry had seen his family since moving with Meghan to California. (He attended Prince Philip’s funeral in April 2021.)

“Just recently, my brother and I were walking the same route [at Elizabeth’s funeral]. And we sort of joked to each other and said, ‘At least we know the way,’” Harry recalled during his January ITV interview, noting that the day felt “very similar” to his mother Princess Diana’s funeral. “The only difference was the levels of emotion. Because our grandmother had finished life. There was more, I think, of a celebration and respect and recognition to what she had accomplished. Whereas our mother was taken away far too young.” (Diana, who shared Prince William and Prince Harry with Charles, died in August 1997 at the age of 36 following a fatal car crash.)

Last month, a source exclusively told Us Weekly that Charles, William and Kate were still figuring out how to properly honor the late queen on the first anniversary of her death.

“William, Kate and Charles are all still planning how they will commemorate the passing of the queen, the wounds still feel fresh and it’s been hard for them to find a way for a celebration that will match the gravitas the queen exuded,” the insider explained. “On September 8th there will be some acknowledgment or event, [but] the details are still being ironed out.”

The source added that Harry and Meghan would “likely not be in attendance” should there be an official event, but “Charles will follow in his mother’s tradition and take the day with Camilla to reflect in solitude.”

Sang Tan/WPA Pool/Getty Images King Charles III shared a touching tribute honoring his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, one year after her passing. “In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us,” Charles,

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Entertainment

Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1

Published

2 hours ago

March 14, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt is set to rev up the silver screen in his latest high-octane adventure, “Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1.” This eagerly anticipated film promises to deliver a perfect blend of star power and the exhilarating world of Formula 1 racing.

A Star-Studded Ride

Pitt, known for his versatility and charisma, takes on the role of a seasoned F1 driver making a daring comeback to the sport. The actor, now in his early 60s, has reportedly undergone rigorous training to convincingly portray a professional racing driver. His dedication to the role has already generated buzz among both film enthusiasts and F1 fans alike.

Behind the Wheel

The movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame, aims to capture the intense, high-speed world of F1 with unprecedented authenticity. Kosinski’s expertise in action sequences and cutting-edge visual effects promises to deliver a visceral racing experience that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

More Than Just Racing

While the film showcases the thrilling aspects of F1, it also delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of Pitt’s character. The story explores themes of redemption, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of passion, adding depth to the high-speed narrative.

Star-Studded Cast and Crew

Joining Pitt is a talented ensemble cast, including Damson Idris as a promising young driver and Kerry Condon in a key supporting role. The film also boasts the involvement of legendary F1 driver Lewis Hamilton as a producer, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the sport.

Racing to Theaters

“Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1″ is slated for a worldwide release in the summer of 2025. With its combination of star power, intense racing action, and compelling storytelling, the film is poised to be a major contender in both the box office and the upcoming awards season.

As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience that will take audiences from the pit lane to the podium in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.

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

Entertainment

Fun Size Cinema Showcases Chicago’s Comedic Talent

Published

1 day ago

March 13, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

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.

Sock it To Me- Short Film directed by Joelle Velez

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.

Entertainment

Opulence Pictures Represents Manchester at SXSW: A Global Stage for Local Talent

Published

1 day ago

March 13, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Opulence Pictures, a Manchester-based film production company, is making waves at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, as part of the official Greater Manchester delegation. This prestigious event, running from March 7-12, has become a global platform for the city’s burgeoning creative industries, with Opulence Pictures at the forefront of showcasing Northern England’s filmmaking potential.

Manchester’s Creative Powerhouse

Greater Manchester, led by Mayor Andy Burnham, has sent its largest and most ambitious delegation to SXSW to date.This move underscores the region’s commitment to positioning itself as a major player in the global creative landscape. Among the delegation are five innovative businesses, including Opulence Pictures, representing Manchester’s thriving creative sector.

Opulence Pictures: Bridging Hollywood and Northern England

Nika Finch, President and Film Producer of Opulence Pictures, is spearheading the company’s presence at SXSW. With offices in both Los Angeles and Manchester, Opulence Pictures is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Northern England’s film industry. Finch’s participation aims to spotlight Northern England as not just a stunning filming location, but also a practical and smart choice for productions.

Showcasing Northern England’s Film Potential

At SXSW, Opulence Pictures is actively promoting the UK, particularly Northern England, as an ideal destination for film and TV production. Finch emphasizes the region’s world-class locations, top-tier crews, and new tax incentives that can significantly reduce production costs for international projects. This effort aligns with the broader goal of attracting global filmmakers to the region and showcasing how Opulence Pictures can bring creative visions to life.

A Platform for Collaboration and Growth

SXSW provides an unparalleled opportunity for networking, creativity, and innovation. For Opulence Pictures, it’s a chance to forge new partnerships that could bring more US film and TV projects to the UK. The company’s presence at the event is part of a larger initiative to establish Manchester as a significant hub for film production and creativity on the global stage.

The Broader Impact

The participation of Opulence Pictures in SXSW 2025 is more than just a business opportunity; it’s a testament to Manchester’s growing prominence in the international creative scene. As part of the UK House Northern takeover event, “North: Different by Design,” Opulence Pictures took part in a film industry panel discussion titled “Rethinking where great stories are made,” further promoting prime filming locations in Northern England.

Looking Ahead

As SXSW 2025 concludes, the impact of Opulence Pictures’ participation extends beyond the event itself. It represents a significant step in Manchester’s journey to become a global hub for film production and creative industries. With its unique blend of local talent and international connections, Opulence Pictures is well-positioned to play a crucial role in bringing more productions to Northern England, further cementing Manchester’s place on the world stage of filmmaking.