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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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.

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

Matthew McConaughey made a triumphant return to the big screen at SXSW with the world premiere of “The Rivals of Amziah King” on Monday, March 10, 2025. The film, which marks McConaughey’s first live-action role in six years, received a rare standing ovation at Austin’s Paramount Theatre.

Directed by Andrew Patterson, “The Rivals of Amziah King” is a multifaceted narrative that blends elements of crime drama, beekeeping, musical, and character-driven storytelling, set against the backdrop of rural Oklahoma. The film follows Amziah King, played by McConaughey, a charismatic beekeeper and bluegrass musician who runs the town’s top honey-making operation. When Amziah’s estranged foster daughter, Kateri (played by newcomer Angelina LookingGlass), returns to his life, they attempt to rebuild their relationship and create a family business, but face threats from ruthless rivals in the honey industry.

The film’s cast, including Kurt Russell, Cole Sprouse, Owen Teague, Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan, Jake Horowitz, and Tony Revolori, joined McConaughey on the red carpet at SXSW. The ensemble cast brought a diverse range of characters to life, adding depth to the film’s complex narrative.

McConaughey introduced the film to the SXSW audience, praising its originality and describing it as a blend of humor, innocence, and spirit. The actor’s performance in the film showcases his musical talents, as he sings and plays instruments in several live musical numbers, which contributed to the film’s standing ovation.

In an interview, McConaughey reflected on his return to acting, highlighting the film’s unique blend of genres and his character’s journey with Kateri. “It’s a remarkable love tale,” he said, emphasizing the reconnection between Amziah and his foster daughter.

The film’s world premiere at SXSW was met with a rapturous response, with many praising its electrifying vision and invigorating music. Andrew Patterson’s bold creativity and innovative storytelling have positioned “The Rivals of Amziah King” as one of the standout films of the festival. As the festival continues, it remains to be seen how the film will fare in the competitive marketplace, but early reactions suggest it could be a significant player in the coming months.

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