Free Spirit Community Arts + Media

Let’s try this again 🙂 MEET THE COHORT! Earlier this month, we wrapped on a collaborative short film written and produced by the fall Screenwriting Cohort and the winter Writers’ Room alongside returning alumni. Go behind-the-scenes with the spring Production Cohort on the set of “Two Step” (working title?) at the link in our bio, and stay tuned for more updates as the summer Post-Production Cohort prepares the film for a fall premiere.

🌟 Meet Abril (1st AD), Anthony (Anthony Strader, Sound Mixer), Antrita (Antrita Manduva, Producer), Eliaz (Greenfield Elias, Gaffer), Faith (faith 🍉, 1st AC), Jeffery (Jeffery “Juice” Holmes, Cinematographer), Kara (Kara Z, Script Supervisor), Kareema (Props + Set Design), Lina (𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒊, Director), Marcil (Grip), Quonyel (Yelsz, HMU + Social Media) + Star (starfilmedit, Production Designer) 🌟

MEET THE COHORT! Earlier this month, we wrapped on a collaborative short film written and produced by the fall Screenwriting Cohort and the winter Writers’ Room alongside returning alumni. Go behind-the-scenes with the spring Production Cohort on the set of “Two Step” (working title?) at the link in our bio, and stay tuned for more updates as the summer Post-Production Cohort prepares the film for a fall premiere.

🌟 Meet Abril (1st AD), Anthony (Sound Mixer), Antrita (Producer), Eliaz (Gaffer), Faith (1st AC), Jeffrey (Cinematographer), Kara (Script Supervisor), Kareema (Props + Set Design), Lina (Director), Marcil (Grip), Quonyel (HMU + Social Media) + Star (Production Designer) 🌟

On May 23, 2026, Free Spirit officially made 25 years of partnering with young storytellers to transform media and society. On Thursday, May 21st, we gathered with staff, young people, alumni, partners, donors and friends to celebrate a quarter-century of dedication to our mission supporting the creative agency of Chicago artists ages 11-25. We are immensely grateful for the continued support of our beautiful community and look forward to another 25 years and beyond 💫

To see more photos from A NEW ERA, visit our Linktree (link in bio) to view the gallery by .lens (bonus points if you share and tag us)! 📸🤩

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We reached our $50K fundraising goal! Thank you to all our sponsors and new donors, to for a generous matching gift, and to everyone who attended A NEW ERA last week! We couldn’t do this work without your support 🥳

Want to see more photos from the Snap Yourself booth? Visit the link in our bio!

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URGENT‼️ We need help making our movie! We’re seeking a young Black male lead and a unique Chicago home to feature in our short film JUNE 5th, 6th and 7th. Please share with your creative community. Compensation is provided! Send photos and portfolios to [email protected] or [email protected]. Serious inquiries only, please. Thank you!

TODAY we’re honoring 25 years of partnering with young storytellers to transform media and society. Tickets are SOLD OUT! Thank you to our community of artists, parents, partners, funders and friends for your continued support as we enter A NEW ERA! We can’t can’t to celebrate with you 🥳🤩 🪩

🥳 TOMORROW, Thursday, May 21st, we’re entering A NEW ERA of alignment with our mission partnering with young storytellers to transform media and society.

Free Spirit Media was officially established on May 23, 2001. 25 years later, Free Spirit Community Arts + Media continues to honor a history of transformation with a more intentional focus on building a collaborative community of young Chicago creatives. THANK YOU to everyone who has shown support, and a special shoutout to our event sponsors! We couldn’t do this work without you.

There are still a few tickets left at bit.ly/freespirit25 (link in bio) and limited tickets will be available at the door. Come celebrate with us! 🪩

TWO DAYS AWAY! We only have a dozen tickets left!! Grab yours to bring in A NEW ERA with us this Thursday 🤩 Can’t make it? Show your support with a donation at bit.ly/freespirit25 (link in bio)! 🪩

THREE MORE DAYS: Thank you to everyone who already grabbed their tickets for our 25th Anniversary Fundraiser! They’re going fast, so get yours today to join us in celebrating A NEW ERA this Thursday 6-10 PM at Hoste in Pilsen. Purchase tickets and make a donation at bit.ly/freespirit25. Link in bio! 🥳

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Come party with us this Thursday as we celebrate 25 years of dedication to our mission of partnering with young storytellers to transform media and society! 🪩 Tickets are still available at bit.ly/freespirit25. Also, we're still accepting applications for our new Director of Development! Learn more here: https://mailchi.mp/freespiritmedia/may2026