In Montreal, a young woman wearing a Spin magazine T-shirt gazes intently at the empty screen on her 2011 MacBook. This scene mirrors a moment in the film Mile End Kicks, which draws inspiration from director Chandler Levack’s relocation from Toronto to Montreal’s vibrant music landscape.
Levack gained acclaim in 2022 with her debut film I Like Movies, centered around a teenager consumed by film fandom. This success paved the way for her subsequent works, including Mile End Kicks and the upcoming Roommates, set to premiere on April 17 in theaters and on Netflix.
In an interview with CBC News, Levack expressed astonishment at her rapid rise in the film industry. She described the experience as surreal, feeling as though she had entered an alternate reality.
Set in Montreal during the summer of 2011, Mile End Kicks loosely mirrors Levack’s own encounters in the city, focusing on Grace, portrayed by Barbie Ferreira from Euphoria, an aspiring music journalist immersing herself in the Mile End neighborhood’s music scene. Levack reminisced about the vibrant music culture she witnessed during that period, witnessing the emergence of iconic artists like Grimes and Mac DeMarco.
The film captures a unique perspective often absent in music-centric movies, portraying the challenges faced by a young woman navigating a predominantly male-dominated industry. Levack reflected on her own experiences as a female writer in the rock music space, highlighting the struggles she encountered.
While juggling the release of her third film, Roommates, Levack found herself immersed in a hectic schedule. The opportunity to direct the college comedy, produced by Adam Sandler and starring Sadie, came amidst the post-production phase of Mile End Kicks, leading to a whirlwind release timeline.
Despite the whirlwind of activity, Levack found time to appreciate the opportunity to work with Adam Sandler, gaining insight into his commitment to storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences. She noted the rarity of female directors helming major studio comedies, emphasizing the significance of such opportunities.
Transitioning from her Canadian roots to Los Angeles, Levack acknowledged the thriving Canadian film industry and the support it has garnered. She expressed pride in the current momentum of Canadian cinema, citing the excitement surrounding various Canadian productions and their international recognition amidst challenging political climates.