Miles Levin Brings Epilepsy Out of the Shadows and ‘Under the Lights’: ‘The Best Movies Come from Journal Entries You Wouldn’t Want Anyone to Read’

As someone who has been deeply moved by Miles Levin‘s journey and the upcoming film “Under the Lights”, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration for his courage and resilience. Having lived with epilepsy myself, I understand the challenges and stigmas associated with this condition. Yet, Levin refuses to hide, choosing instead to take an emotional leap and share his personal story in a way that resonates with many.

As a filmmaker living with epilepsy, I’ve chosen not to shy away from the challenge. Instead, I am taking an emotional plunge with my upcoming project, “Under the Lights.

“The best movies come from journal entries you wouldn’t want anyone to read,” he says.

If a tale flows easily from you without any danger or fear, it might not be entirely truthful. However, if there’s a story you’d prefer to keep hidden away, perhaps under your bed, that’s something others can relate to. These are secrets I’ve never shared before, but I wagered that people would understand them. So far, the response has been overwhelmingly affirmative.

At Poland’s American Film Festival, Levin’s drama was honored with four awards during its U.S. in Progress industry segment while still in post-production. This moving story revolves around Sam, a character who yearns for freedom from his condition and a taste of ordinary teenage life, including attending the prom. However, this desire clashes dramatically with his overly protective mother’s concerns.

This movie resonates deeply with me because it mirrors emotions I’ve experienced and locations I’ve visited. I owe this connection to those who can’t openly share their own stories due to fear of rejection or job loss. Unlike them, I have the freedom to speak up. Sharing my story could potentially make it safer for others to come forward in time.

In the upcoming production titled “Under the Lights,” slated for release in 2025, Levin revisits the storyline he initially delved into with the 2020 short film, which likewise features Pearce Joza.

He deeply impacts the epilepsy community with his compassion for our struggles. Few people stand out in our field. The main issue we encounter is a lack of voices from beyond our community, as we fear they may not grasp our experiences fully. However, Pearce is one of those rare individuals who truly gets it.

Currently, Joza is accompanied by Lake Bell, Nick Offerman, Mark Duplass, Randall Park, Tanzyn Crawford, and Marin Hinkle.

Natalie Metzger, VP of production and development at Vanishing Angle, shares that we’ve been fortunate with our film’s cast. People were deeply invested in this story, and some actors had a personal affinity for [the subject of] epilepsy. She elaborates on the connection between Sam and his mother, portrayed by Bell.

“There are really raw scenes between them in the film: raw and honest.”

Levin notes: “I’ve been pondering: ‘Am I capable of conveying this on paper?’ It’s a unique tale about an individual dealing with a disability and the impact it has on the entire family. As part of maturing, one learns to see parents as people too – they are complex individuals just like anyone else. My own diagnosis has significantly altered my parents’ lives. Through writing this script, I gained a deeper understanding of my mother.

Although “Under the Lights” seems reminiscent of a typical high school drama (with the prom looming in the distance), according to Metzger, it’s far from being just another teen movie. Rest assured, there’s still plenty of humor to be found!

“Comedy was consistently present in the script for Miles, as he aimed to create an enjoyable and entertaining film rather than a somber public service announcement about his character’s condition,” she explains, with Levin adding: “We repeatedly stressed that this wasn’t a ‘prom movie.’ It’s not about vibrant decorations or secret romance when parents aren’t around. It’s about avoiding feelings of isolation.

There are numerous subtle methods one could employ to ruin a film like this, but here’s an example: ‘This film is about disability, so it must be full of tragedy, and we should pity the main character. We’ve all seen that type of movie before – it’s poorly done.’

Instead, “Under the Lights” plays with the idea that “everyone is complicated.”

Levin chuckles as he points out that we all can unintentionally cause harm through our actions towards one another. Occasionally, the ‘opponent’ may genuinely intend to do good but mishandle the situation terribly. This, he suggests, is a reflection of the complex nature of our world. It’s not always black and white, with villains and heroes everywhere. Often, it’s just a mix of people trying their best.

The narrative revolves around individuals who may unintentionally make mistakes but must ultimately reconcile and engage in open dialogue. A relevant quote from an improv skit by Nick Offerman encapsulates this: “Jane, she’s trying to assist you. Let her help you.” This line symbolizes the essence of our story, where characters learn to trust and support each other.

He’s optimistic that the movie, similar to the previous short film, will significantly change things for this often overlooked group.

“I’ve never loved anything as much as I love this film,” he admits.

I’ve paid a heavy toll to the medical deities, sacrificing certain childhood experiences that others, like Sam, might have had. I missed out on my milestones, my rites of passage. I never got to make youthful mistakes. However, this movie made it all worthwhile. If you asked me if I’d choose to go back in time and be cured right now, I’d surprisingly say no.

2024-11-11 00:47

Miles Levin Brings Epilepsy Out of the Shadows and ‘Under the Lights’: ‘The Best Movies Come from Journal Entries You Wouldn’t Want Anyone to Read’

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