In Montreal, a young woman wearing a Spin magazine T-shirt is intensely focused on her 2011 MacBook screen. This scene mirrors a segment from the recent film “Mile End Kicks,” directed by Chandler Levack, who transitioned from being a film and music critic in Toronto to embracing Montreal’s vibrant music landscape.
Levack gained recognition in 2022 with her debut film “I Like Movies,” which centered on a teenager whose identity revolves around film fandom. The success of this film paved the way for “Mile End Kicks,” her second project, and “Roommates,” her third feature film, 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 progression of her career, 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, portrayed by Barbie Ferreira from “Euphoria,” as she embarks on a journey as an aspiring music writer in Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood. Levack reminisced about the vibrant music scene in Montreal during that period, witnessing the emergence of iconic artists like Grimes and Mac DeMarco.
The film also sheds light on the challenges faced by young women in male-dominated music spheres, drawing from Levack’s personal encounters in the industry. Levack emphasized the importance of portraying a female perspective often absent in music scene narratives.
Levack’s latest endeavors include “Roommates,” a comedy she directed under the production of Adam Sandler, featuring his daughter Sadie. Juggling multiple projects, Levack shared her whirlwind experience of managing the release of two films in quick succession.
While embracing her newfound life in Los Angeles, Levack reflected on the thriving Canadian film industry and the unique storytelling opportunities it presents. She highlighted the cultural significance of Canadian cinema amid global challenges, emphasizing the growing international recognition of Canadian artistry.