In Montreal, a young lady wearing a Spin magazine T-shirt gazes angrily at the empty page on her 2011 MacBook. This scenario mirrors a scene from the recent film “Mile End Kicks,” which reflects director Chandler Levack’s own life journey when she shifted from Toronto to Montreal’s thriving music scene.
Levack gained recognition in 2022 with her debut film “I Like Movies,” portraying a teenager deeply immersed in film culture. The success of this film paved the way for “Mile End Kicks,” her subsequent release.
Currently, Levack finds herself amidst a whirlwind of success, with both “Mile End Kicks” and her third project, “Roommates,” set to premiere on April 17 in theaters and on Netflix, respectively.
In a conversation with CBC News, Levack expressed her astonishment at her rapid rise in the industry. She described it as a surreal experience, feeling like she had entered a different reality or timeline unexpectedly.
The film “Mile End Kicks,” loosely inspired by Levack’s time in Montreal during the summer of 2011, centers around Grace, played by Barbie Ferreira from “Euphoria,” an aspiring music journalist who relocates to Montreal’s Mile End district.
Recalling her time in Montreal in 2011, Levack reminisced about being immersed in a vibrant music scene witnessing the emergence of iconic artists like Grimes, Mac DeMarco, Tops, and Cadence Weapon. She expressed her awe at being part of that scene, despite feeling somewhat detached at the time.
For Levack, the pivotal moment that steered her towards filmmaking was watching the influential rock critic tale “Almost Famous” (2000), prompting her to abandon university studies and pursue writing assignments for Spin and The Village Voice.
“Mile End Kicks” offers a unique perspective often absent in music scene narratives, focusing on the challenges faced by a young woman. Levack shared her experiences of navigating a male-dominated music environment as a 22-year-old female writer, feeling like an anomaly within the industry.
The film also pays homage to Canadian music icon Alanis Morissette, with Grace’s character landing a writing gig that leads her to Montreal. Levack highlighted how Morissette’s album “Jagged Little Pill” was a transformative moment for her, symbolizing the artist’s journey to reclaim her narrative and voice.
Levack’s hands-on approach to guiding Ferreira into her character’s psyche involved vivid descriptions of her own past experiences. She emphasized the importance of portraying authenticity and embracing imperfections to resonate with audiences.
Despite the overwhelming response to her work, Levack is already focused on the upcoming release of her third film, “Roommates.” The director’s career trajectory took a rapid turn when she was offered the opportunity to helm this college comedy produced by Adam Sandler and featuring his daughter Sadie, while still wrapping up “Mile End Kicks.”
Navigating the challenges of post-production amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Levack described the release schedule as a whirlwind, akin to giving birth to twins with two projects launching back-to-back.
Spending time with Adam Sandler and his family during the production of “Roommates,” Levack gained insight into Sandler’s commitment to crafting relatable stories for his daughters. She acknowledged the rarity of female directors leading major studio comedies, highlighting the significance of this opportunity.
Transitioning from Toronto to Los Angeles, Levack reflected on missing familiar spots like Future Bistro and Revue Cinema while adapting to the vibrant Canadian film scene in LA. She noted the growing enthusiasm for Canadian cinema and the success of fellow filmmakers, signaling a bright moment for Canadian culture despite external challenges.
In conclusion, Levack remains optimistic about the future of Canadian cinema and the global impact of Canadian art, showcasing a vibrant industry amid changing socio-political landscapes.