In Montreal, a young woman wearing a Spin magazine T-shirt is seen staring intently at the screen of her 2011 MacBook in a scene reminiscent of director Chandler Levack’s experiences. Levack, a former film and music critic, transitioned from Toronto to Montreal’s burgeoning music scene, gaining success with her initial film, “I Like Movies,” in 2022.
Her first film opened doors for Levack, leading to her subsequent release, “Mile End Kicks.” Now, she is on a creative high with “Mile End Kicks” and her third feature, “Roommates,” set to debut on April 17 in theaters and on Netflix.
In a conversation with CBC News, Levack expressed her disbelief at her current success, stating, “It’s very surreal. I just feel like I crossed into, like, a multiverse or … a timeline that I was never supposed to be in.”
“Mile End Kicks,” loosely inspired by Levack’s time in Montreal during the summer of 2011, revolves around Grace, portrayed by Barbie Ferreira from “Euphoria,” as an aspiring music writer immersing herself in Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood.
Levack reminisces about the vibrant music scene in Montreal during that period, witnessing the emergence of iconic artists like Grimes, Mac DeMarco, Tops, and Cadence Weapon, which left a profound impact on her.
The film captures a unique perspective often absent in music scene portrayals – that of a young woman navigating a predominantly male-dominated environment. Levack reflects on her own experiences in the industry, highlighting the challenges faced as a 22-year-old woman writing about music.
Moreover, Levack discusses the influence of Alanis Morissette and her album “Jagged Little Pill,” both in the film and in her personal journey, emphasizing Morissette’s resilience in reclaiming her narrative amid industry challenges.
As Levack gears up for the release of her third film, “Roommates,” she recounts the whirlwind experience of transitioning from post-production on “Mile End Kicks” to directing a comedy produced by Adam Sandler and starring his daughter, Sadie.
Despite the demanding schedule, Levack finds gratification in connecting with audiences through her characters’ authenticity, recognizing the value of creating genuine and unconventional art that resonates with viewers.
In her newfound life in Los Angeles, Levack embraces the thriving Canadian film industry, acknowledging the surge of interest in Canadian cinema and the positive reception of recent releases within the industry.
As Levack navigates her burgeoning career as a filmmaker, she remains optimistic about the flourishing Canadian cultural scene, celebrating the momentum in Canadian cinema amid global uncertainties.
The article was originally sourced from CBC News.