Italian
A daring journey: Miles Levin shines a light on epilepsy with ‘Under the Lights’
Embracing authenticity through storytelling
Director Miles Levin is no stranger to taking bold steps. Diagnosed with epilepsy, he chose not to retreat but to share his personal journey with the world through his upcoming feature film, Under the Lights. According to Levin, “The best movies come from journal entries you wouldn’t want anyone to read.” His film aims to turn private pain into universal storytelling, resonating deeply with audiences who have felt similarly silenced.
The emotional leap
For Levin, creating Under the Lights was an emotional leap. He highlights that stories we wish to hide often strike a chord with others. “If you have a story that comes out of you with no risk whatsoever, it’s less likely to be honest. But if it’s something you’d rather hide under your bed… It can be relatable to other people,” he explains. Levin’s dramatic retelling of his experiences aims to bridge the gap between personal vulnerability and shared understanding.
Recognition at American Film Festival
The film has already garnered significant attention, winning four prizes at the industry sidebar of Poland’s American Film Festival, U.S. in Progress. Currently in post-production, Levin’s drama follows the journey of Sam, a teenager striving for normalcy despite his epilepsy. He dreams of attending prom, facing the fears and protective instincts of his mother. The story, rich with raw emotion, is a testament to the struggles and triumphs of those living with this condition.
A talented cast
Pearce Joza, who starred in Levin’s 2020 short film of the same title, reprises his role in the feature-length version. Joza’s profound impact on the epilepsy community is acknowledged by Levin: “We have so few torchbearers. Pearce is someone who truly understands.” The ensemble cast also includes Lake Bell, Nick Offerman, Mark Duplass, Randall Park, Tanzyn Crawford, and Marin Hinkle. The blend of empathy and personal connections to epilepsy among the actors enriches the narrative, ensuring authenticity.
The essence of raw and honest storytelling
The film’s producer, Natalie Metzger, Vice President of production and development at Vanishing Angle, emphasizes the raw and honest interactions between Sam and his mother. “There are really raw scenes between them in the film: raw and honest,” she elaborates. Levin himself reveals his insecurities about translating his personal experiences onto paper, acknowledging the inescapable complexities of family dynamics affected by disability. Writing this script has given him a deeper understanding of his own parents, especially his mother.
Not just another teen movie
Although focused on a teenager’s story, Under the Lights is far from a typical teen movie. Metzger assures that while it does contain elements of humor, it is a far cry from a clichéd prom movie. Levin and Metzger aimed to craft a film that is both entertaining and profound, avoiding the trap of delivering a dreary Public Service Announcement about epilepsy. Levin insists, “We need you to understand this is not a ‘prom movie.’ It’s about not wanting to feel left behind.”
Breaking stereotypes about disability
One of Levin’s paramount goals is to shift the narrative surrounding disability in cinema. He criticizes the stereotypical portrayal of disabled characters as solely tragic figures deserving of pity. “There are 100 little ways in which you could take a film like this and make it awful,” Levin warns. His approach ensures that the film reflects the nuanced reality of living with epilepsy, presenting characters as multi-dimensional individuals rather than as mere embodiments of their afflictions.
The complexity of human interactions
Levin’s film underscores the idea that “everyone is complicated.” He conveys that human interactions are fraught with potential mistakes, often made by those who mean well. Highlighting a line from a scene with Nick Offerman, Levin illustrates this theme: “Jane, she’s trying to help you. Let her help you.” This sentiment encapsulates the film’s core narrative, emphasizing the necessity of empathy and mutual understanding.
Impacting an invisible population
Levin hopes that Under the Lights will spark a wider recognition and appreciation for the struggles faced by the epilepsy community. He aspires for the film to resonate not only with those directly affected by epilepsy but also with a broader audience, fostering greater awareness and empathy. Referring to his personal sacrifices and experiences, Levin immerses himself fully in his art, declaring, “I’ve never loved anything as much as I love this film.”
As the film’s release approaches, Levin’s dedication and passion shine through, ensuring that Under the Lights will be an impactful and memorable contribution to cinema. Engage with this compelling narrative by sharing the story and following our platform for more updates on its journey.
