In Montreal, a young woman sporting a Spin magazine T-shirt gazes intently at the empty screen of her 2011 MacBook. This scene from the recently released film “Mile End Kicks” mirrors director Chandler Levack’s own journey when she transitioned from being a film and music critic in Toronto to immersing herself in Montreal’s vibrant music scene.
Levack gained recognition in 2022 with her debut film “I Like Movies,” portraying a teenager whose identity revolves around film fandom. The success of this project paved the way for her subsequent film, “Mile End Kicks.”
Now, Levack finds herself riding a wave of success with “Mile End Kicks” and her third feature film, “Roommates,” both set to premiere on April 17 in theaters and on Netflix, respectively. In an interview with CBC News, Levack expressed her disbelief at the rapid turn of events, feeling like she has entered an unexpected dimension.
Set in Montreal during the summer of 2011, “Mile End Kicks” loosely mirrors Levack’s experiences in the city, following Grace (played by Barbie Ferreira from “Euphoria”), an aspiring music writer who relocates to the Mile End neighborhood. Levack fondly recalls this period as a time when Montreal’s music scene was thriving, witnessing the emergence of iconic artists like Grimes, Mac DeMarco, Tops, and Cadence Weapon.
Inspired by the rock critic tale “Almost Famous,” Levack abandoned university to pursue a career in writing, eventually contributing to publications like 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.
The film also pays homage to Canadian musician Alanis Morissette, with Grace’s journey to Montreal initiated by a writing assignment on Morissette. Levack admires Morissette’s resilience in reclaiming her narrative, citing her album “Jagged Little Pill” as a pivotal moment in the artist’s career.
Despite the whirlwind success, Levack remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of creating authentic and relatable art. As she navigates the demands of releasing her third film, “Roommates,” she reflects on the unconventional path that led her to this point.
Collaborating on “Roommates,” a college comedy produced by Adam Sandler and featuring Sadie Sandler, Levack acknowledges the unique opportunity to helm a mainstream comedy as a female director. While she misses her Toronto haunts, Levack embraces her new life in Los Angeles, where Canadian cinema is gaining recognition.
With a slew of Canadian films garnering attention, including her own projects and upcoming titles like “Blue Heron,” Levack celebrates the resurgence of Canadian culture in the global spotlight.
In the midst of this creative renaissance, Levack remains humbled by the audience’s response to her work, underscoring the power of authentic storytelling in forging meaningful connections with viewers.