In Montreal, a young woman wearing a Spin magazine T-shirt gazes angrily at the empty screen on her 2011 MacBook. This scene echoes the life of director Chandler Levack, who transitioned from being a film and music critic in Toronto to immersing herself in Montreal’s vibrant music scene.
Levack gained momentum in 2022 with her debut film, “I Like Movies,” centered around a teenager whose identity revolves around film fandom. This success paved the way for her subsequent release, “Mile End Kicks.”
Now, Levack finds herself riding a wave of success with “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 disbelief at the rapid turn of events, describing it as surreal and feeling like she entered an alternate reality.
“Mile End Kicks,” loosely inspired by Levack’s experiences in Montreal during the summer of 2011, follows Grace (played by Barbie Ferreira from “Euphoria”), an aspiring music writer who relocates to Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood. Levack recalls this period as a pivotal time filled with groundbreaking artists like Grimes, Mac DeMarco, Tops, and Cadence Weapon, which left her in awe of the vibrant music scene.
While reflecting on her journey, Levack credits the film “Almost Famous” for inspiring her to pursue a career in film, leading her to roles at Spin and The Village Voice. “Mile End Kicks” offers a unique perspective by showcasing the challenges faced by a young woman in a predominantly male-dominated music environment, a theme close to Levack’s heart.
The film also pays homage to Levack’s musical icon, Alanis Morissette, whose resilience and empowerment in the face of industry challenges resonated deeply with Levack. Reflecting on her collaboration with Barbie Ferreira, Levack humorously recounted guiding the actress to embody her character’s complexities authentically.
As Levack juggles the release of her third film, “Roommates,” she reflects on the whirlwind nature of her career progression. Amidst post-production for “Mile End Kicks,” Levack received an opportunity to direct “Roommates,” a college comedy produced by Adam Sandler and starring his daughter Sadie, leading to a hectic schedule shuttling between New Jersey and Toronto.
Despite the challenges and intense pace, Levack appreciates the opportunity to work with Sandler and his commitment to inclusive storytelling. She acknowledges the rarity of female directors helming big studio comedies and values the support and mentorship she received during the production.
Transitioning to life in Los Angeles, Levack embraces the thriving Canadian film industry and the recognition it is receiving on an international stage. She views the current era as a banner year for Canadian cinema, with a surge in interest and excitement surrounding Canadian films despite external challenges.
In conclusion, Levack’s journey from a music critic to a successful filmmaker underscores the power of authenticity and perseverance in connecting with audiences and making a mark in the film industry.
