In Montreal, a young lady wearing a Spin magazine T-shirt gazes intently at the empty screen of her 2011 MacBook. This scene mirrors the storyline in the recent film “Mile End Kicks,” reflecting the personal journey of the director, Chandler Levack, who transitioned from a film and music critic in Toronto to embracing Montreal’s blossoming music scene.
Levack made a significant impact in 2022 with her debut film, “I Like Movies,” portraying a teenager whose identity revolves around cinema fandom. This success paved the way for her subsequent release, “Mile End Kicks,” and her third feature, “Roommates,” both set to premiere on April 17 in theaters and on Netflix.
In an interview with CBC News, Levack expressed her astonishment at her rapid rise in the industry. She described the experience as surreal, feeling as though she had entered an alternate reality she never anticipated.
“Mile End Kicks,” loosely inspired by Levack’s experiences in Montreal during the summer of 2011, follows Grace, played by Barbie Ferreira from “Euphoria,” as an aspiring music writer settling in Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood. Levack reminisced about that summer, where she witnessed the emergence of iconic artists like Grimes, Mac DeMarco, Tops, and Cadence Weapon, immersing herself in a vibrant music scene that felt like a cinematic dream come true.
The film portrays Grace navigating the male-dominated rock-and-roll environment, drawing from Levack’s own encounters in the industry. Levack highlighted the absence of female perspectives in music scene narratives, reflecting on her challenges as a young woman in that space.
Additionally, the film intertwines Grace’s narrative with the presence of Canadian musician Alanis Morissette, showcasing her influence on Levack’s artistic journey. Levack emphasized Morissette’s resilience in reclaiming her narrative, particularly through her iconic album “Jagged Little Pill.”
Despite her recent success, Levack remains grounded, appreciating the audience’s connection with the imperfect yet relatable characters in her films. She emphasized the importance of creating authentic and unconventional art that resonates with viewers.
Amidst the whirlwind of releasing “Mile End Kicks,” Levack found herself thrust into directing “Roommates,” a college comedy produced by Adam Sandler and featuring his daughter Sadie. Juggling back-and-forth trips between New Jersey and Toronto during post-production, Levack reflected on the fast-paced nature of her burgeoning career.
Levack acknowledged the rare opportunity for a female director like herself to helm a major studio comedy, crediting Sandler for recognizing her potential. She emphasized the significance of diverse voices in mainstream cinema, highlighting the evolving landscape for women in the film industry.
Transitioning to life in Los Angeles, Levack expressed gratitude for the support of Canadian cinema and the thriving creative community. She noted the surge in interest and enthusiasm for Canadian films, signaling a promising era for the country’s cultural contributions on the global stage.
