In Montreal, a young woman wearing a Spin magazine T-shirt gazes intensely at her 2011 MacBook screen. This scene mirrors a moment from the movie “Mile End Kicks,” inspired by director Chandler Levack’s own journey from Toronto to Montreal’s vibrant music scene.
Levack made her mark in 2022 with her debut film “I Like Movies,” portraying a teenager deeply immersed in film culture. This success paved the way for “Mile End Kicks,” her second film, and “Roommates,” her third project, both set to premiere on April 17 in theaters and on Netflix.
In an interview with CBC News, Levack expressed her astonishment at the rapid progression of her career. She described the experience as surreal, feeling like she had entered an unexpected reality.
The film “Mile End Kicks,” loosely based on Levack’s time in Montreal in the summer of 2011, follows Grace, played by Barbie Ferreira from “Euphoria,” as she navigates the Mile End neighborhood as an aspiring music writer. Levack reminisced about the vibrant music scene she witnessed in Montreal, which included the emergence of iconic artists like Grimes and Mac DeMarco.
Inspired by the movie “Almost Famous,” Levack abandoned university to pursue a career in writing, leading to opportunities with Spin and The Village Voice. “Mile End Kicks” sheds light on the perspective of a young woman in a predominantly male-dominated music environment, drawing from Levack’s personal experiences.
The film also pays homage to Canadian music icon Alanis Morissette, showcasing Grace’s writing assignment about Morissette as a pivotal moment in the story. Levack highlighted Morissette’s resilience against sexism in the music industry, particularly evident in her album “Jagged Little Pill.”
While reflecting on her collaboration with Barbie Ferreira, Levack emphasized the importance of portraying authentic and relatable characters, even if they embody vulnerability and imperfection.
Despite the whirlwind of releasing multiple films back-to-back, including “Roommates,” Levack remains focused and dedicated to her craft. She shared her unexpected journey of directing the college comedy “Roommates,” produced by Adam Sandler and featuring his daughter Sadie.
Transitioning to life in Los Angeles, Levack acknowledged the thriving Canadian film industry and the growing appreciation for Canadian cinema. She expressed pride in the current state of Canadian culture, highlighting the success of various Canadian films and the industry’s resilience amidst external challenges.
