Under the Lights - An Award Winning Epilepsy Film
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- čas přidán 25. 03. 2022
- Starring Pearce Joza and Alyssa Jirrels. Desperate to feel 'normal' , Under the Lights is the award winning story of a boy with epilepsy who goes to prom knowing that the lights will make him have a seizure. CLICK BELOW TO SEE MORE!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! We are making the full length UNDER THE LIGHTS movie to fight stigma and feature an authentic character with epilepsy as never before seen in cinema. If you loved the short, please consider helping us continue our work. The award winning script is ready to shoot. If you can, anything helps:
Our crowdfunding campaign - seedandspark.com/fund/underth...
Reach out to me at www.Underthelightsfilm.com
miles@underthelightsfilm.com
Awards
-Special Jury Prize - Rhode Island Int'l Film Festival (Academy Qualifying Event)
-Best Short (“Trigger Warnings”) Savannah Film Festival
-Best Humanitarian Short Sedona Film Festival
-Audience Award - Best Dramatic Short Woods Hole Film Festival
-Best Cinematography Santa Fe Film Festival
- Audience Award Durango Film Festival - Krátké a kreslené filmy
If you loved the film, please consider helping us make the FULL Under the Lights feature movie! You can text Underthelights to 44-321. Help us make the biggest awareness effort of all time. Thank you for believing in us :)
Hi my name is Aurora and I have epilepsy I love the film and I hope you can make a full movie.
As a mom of a child who has epilepsy, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this. THANK YOU 💜
Hii, i loved this short movie, i have thank you to show everyone that this isn's a taboo and should be talked more
This is quite fitting because my prom was yesterday
I need more 😭😭😭
The two phrases that hit me hardest are "Just be here" and "I just want to be normal" That's all we want. Thank you for making this!!
Hit home hard here!
That’s exactly what my late son said every single day! 💔💔💔💔
@@CrazyCatLady-dx8uj I hope he will be fine wherever he goes, thanks to the press..
I relate to these two sentences so much! I‘m not epileptic but I do have a severe seizure disorder.
I can't donate, but with having had Epilepsy for almost 43 years your film really touches my heart. Especially the way the girl stays with him when he's having a seizure, and dances with him at the prom. I myself was never able to go to my highschool prom, because medication has never been able to fully control my seizures and lights can also trigger my seizures. I've always also had to deal with the stigma that comes with Epilepsy, even from some doctors. Like I said I can't donate, because I don't have a job, but your movie is beautifully done. It almost brought tears to my eyes, because due to my Epilepsy I've never been able to have a girlfriend.❤️💜
i think i speak for the whole of the epilepsy community when i say: THIS NEEDS TO BE MADE INTO A FULL FEATURE MOVIE!! absolutely amazing job, finally a character i can relate to: LOVE IT!!
Completely agree
Agree as well
I think there should be a big budget movie about epilepsy.
Yass
They're making it now, my friend is in it
I had seizures as a teenager and was diagnosed with epilepsy. When he said "they'll call my mom," it was soooo accurate. I remember never wanting my parents to find out if I had a seizure, I was embarrassed by them. When I was a teenager it felt like having seizures was somehow letting them down, when in reality they were so kind and supportive. Seizures and epilepsy is such a complicated thing. Thank you for this 💜
This! I'm 32 and I still try to keep my seizures a secret from my parents. It's embarrassing and for some reason I always feel like I did something wrong and they'll be mad at me when I know they love me and just want to know I'm safe.
What do we do? “Just be here.” Only us know how hard that line hit
I’ve had epilepsy since I was 13 and the phrase “I’m tired of missing out” hits close. This gave me a bit of strength and happiness to chase a dream no matter how small 💜
Glad you liked it!
Oh my god, I had absolutely no idea Pearce was such an outstanding actor. He was amazing in zombies 2 but this is the first time I've seen him in something more serious. He did an amazing job. #goPearceJoza
Isnt't he great!?
@@mileslevin8754 you did an amazing job too Miles
@@mileslevin8754miles you won't believe it but Pearce joza is almost 22 years old his birthday is September 6,2002 and Pearce if you see this I just want you to know that everyone loves you you are my idol and I hope to play a character in a zombies movie one day
“I just want to feel normal” had me in tears. People don’t understand the stress we deal with having to worry about our loved ones worrying about us on top of us already worrying about ourselves. This needs to be normalized. We’re not a character in a horror movie, we’re REAL people who deal with this every single day of our lives. Having one at work and then being discrimated against while everyone looks at you like a monster. We’re warriors and you can’t convince me otherwise. Much love to everyone in our community💜
"Why would you do it when you know it makes seizure." People really don't understand that people like us wanna normal life. We wanna go outside, partying. If they make lights less and lower the sounds we can participate every event.
Ikr
I have photosensitive epilepsy and couldn't stop crying 😭. I love the short, we definitely need the full version!
Thanks, Miles for making this film! 💜
Same. I have seizures multiple times a day. This one got me
@@liapat814 Yeah... Specially the part when he says "I just want to be normal".
As a mom of a 15 year old with epilepsy I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Its a fine line parents walk keeping their child safe and providing all the opportunities for them that most people take for granted! I commend you! You are proof that dreams come true. We may not be able to control epilepsy but by educating people with a heartfelt film like this the world will be understanding and accepting of this disorder,
Colleen Quinn
President Paul's Purple Warriors NJ.
National Epilepsy Advocates for Seizure Safe Schools
“I just want to be normal” honestly had me in tears because I’ve said it so much, mainly to myself.
I feel such a connection like I was watching part of my life.
I’m totally not holding in tears, I’d love to watch the full version!
GOD! This is absolutely amazing.
I’m a teenager with Epilepsy whose going to prom next month against all odds. Needless to say the outcome of Sams experience is my worst nightmare but god it feels so good to see it on screen. I want to see the joys and sadness of living with epilepsy represented so badly, No more exorcism movies please! Wishing with all my heart this gets to the big screen, maybe then people with get it.
This means so much that you would say that. I am glad you felt represented. If you feel comfortable and would be willing to send me a video of yourself saying what it meant to you, it could be very helpful for our pitching for grants for people to see the kind of effect the movie has. My email is miles@underthelightsfilm.com . If not no worries! Thank you for your words.
@@mileslevin8754 yes! I would be absolutely willing! I’ll try within the next video to send a video if I can. I would like to help anyway I can.
I don’t even have seizures and I still hate dim atmospheres with flashing lights. They really should change that!
As a drag queen with epilepsy, it's amazing to see other artist working and raising awareness. Congratulations and thank you Miles.
Incredible! As an actor, I forgot it was even a film. I fell in love and cried most of the way through! The story was amazing and the message was so impactful!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you!
Same
As a epileptic myself this actually happened to me at my prom and i swear i have said i want to be normal like a thousand times i would love a full length movie
Hi! That's an incredibly powerful thing to say, If you are comfortable, would you be willing to record yourself saying what this meant to you and send it to me? We are applying for grants and a statement like that could make a big difference! miles@underthelightsfilm.com
I would love too
Woah
Thanks for making this! I had a seizure in November and dislocated my shoulder. Woke up my floor in a puddle of spit, blood and vomit. It sucked. They’ve been progressively worse ever since. I was diagnosed at 17, senior year. What a change to have to go through. Thanks for this. 💜💜💜💜
this was incredible and has me hard core crying. as an epileptic, this shows the real struggles that i have gone through, and it was real and raw and beautiful. thank you.
Thank YOU! Spread the word :)
This made me cry because of the words "I want to be normal" I say that a hell of a lot about my life due to my epilepsy 😢
Most powerful part for me is when he was postictal saying “I just want to be normal”. I’ve said the same thing in the same postictal phase and just dealing with the agony of the invisible disability.
I’m a 15 year old girl with epilepsy, this film really got to me and I relate to it, thank you for this🤍🤍
All I have to say is that I am so honored you chose Pearce to represent individuals with epilepsy. I have it too and he’s one of my favorite actors so seeing him in this role means so much to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart🥺❤️
Yess
I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, I can't believe it's almost time to see this amazing film!
I can't wait for you to see it. Invite a friend!
As someone with epilepsy, 10+ years now, this was bone-chillingly accurate. This needs to become a full-length feature film 💜
My cousin died of Epilepsy when I was young, and his family carry one working with CURE since then. They directed me to this video and I bawled my eyes out. Amazing film... I am all for ending stigmas of invisible conditions like this. We are all human and deserve love and respect. I see you. I see your story. I will do what I can to live and fight the stigma.
*This* is why Pearce Joza is such a good actor. He is able to portray the full despair and hope that Sam feels, and he is raising awareness in such a good way about a disability that can be crippling. I will patiently wait for the film, and I *will* watch it when it comes out. Thank you, sir.
This film was awesome! As a grandmother of a granddaughter with epilepsy it made me cry because I feel her pain every day. This film will hopefully make people see how real the struggles really are
That means a lot, that's the goal!
This is honestly amazing, it made me cry. His words hit me hard when he said “I just want to be normal” gosh I understand him to the heavens and beyond. Epilepsy sucks. But thank you for bringing light to our condition 💜
i was just diagnosed with epilepsy, and this made me feel like i’m seen for struggling with the sudden lack of independence. thank you!
I really hope this gets made! I’ve been diagnosed since 2011 but I’ve been lucky enough to not suffer from tonic clonic seizures and only have to worry about having partial and complex partial seizures. 99% of my seizures are within the first hour of waking up so it’s pretty much my first thought/fear every morning when I wake up. It’s rough having your independence as an adult ripped out from under you and people don’t seem to realize how much independence they do have and take for granted. Like being able to leave the house alone weather it be for a walk or a drive.
First, this short was great and definitely needs to be a full length film!!💖💖My sister and I have NEAD/PNES which is non-epileptic seizures. We both are mothers of 4 kiddos. Seizures effects every part of our lives, for us there is no medication to help reduce the amount of seizures we have. The primary consensus we get from others is "attention seeking" "faking" "it's not a real thing" "excuses because we don't want to work. Lost so many jobs because of it. When people call the ambo, gosh the fire fighters are the worst 😫. Belittling us, "oh its just an anxiety attack" "just a panic attack " you can just "stop the faking". Man I would be rich if I had a $1 everytime it's just passed over for as nothing. When we going through it back to back, sometimes all day long, it can drain the life out of us. It varies in severity from day to day. Can't talk or open our eyes, lose the ability to walk, etc. I know my triggers and the "aurora " I get before it's gonna come on. But the only thing they will say is refer to a neurologist, if your lucky they will do a video EEG and then the neurologist will refer you to a psychiatrist. But just putting it out there for awareness. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
💜"Just be here" "I wanna be normal" 💚
People need to watch this movie , thanks for making this ❤
Hi Miles, that was super, well done. For a while I have felt quite alone, your film reminded me of the times, after seizures, of when earthbound angels appeared to look after me. Some, whom I was with, others who had quite literally appeared from nowhere. I also liked how you portrayed the POV of parents, even now I think of my late mum and dad, they worried about me all their lives, I remember when we lived under the same roof after a seizure they were always there, I'm sure they were only half asleep each night, especially my mum. Well, epilepsy hasn't held me back, I've gone on to be an actor and writer, and as a nursery/kindergarten teacher I have inspired hundreds. But I witter on, once again, thank you for such a magical piece of movie making 💜
Hey Simon! That means a lot, do reach out, I'd like to talk more - miles@underthelightsfilm.com
As a teen who suffers with seizures on a daily basis, this really hit me. The line “I just want to be normal” is so relatable. This captures the anxiety around seizures so well and I hope it makes it to a full movie.
So proud of this film !!!!
Thank you!
One of my friends is acting in the full film and sent me this to watch. I love it!
I’m 14, I have epilepsy. This is incredible. It’s so real, something that finally shows almost exactly how i feel, as do many others. So thank you so so much for this.
I know your 16 or something now, but I am 14 and I do too. I have been seizure free for the past 4? Years. I feel bad for him. I don't have as bad epilepsy as he does in the video, but i understand the want to feel normal
this is so beautiful🥺my dad suffered with epilepsy before he passed. while i was too young to understand it at the time it’s really incredible to be able to watch something that represents what my dad went through and how amazing and strong he was. so thank you
Spyder and Veracity back for a much more serious film. I'm glad to have watched all of Mech X4 before this
I really loved this. My son has intractable epilepsy and nothing helps. He has a VNS and has tried almost every AED. But my kid just has seizures out of nowhere. Lights don't affect him. He can play video games, go to concerts, etc. and he's fine. Not everyone with epilepsy is the same. Some people never know their triggers. I'm so happy this short film is out.
I've not cried like that in awhile. I'm a mom of an awesome son who has batting this Lightning Dragon. He had blown me away with all he has accomplished. Prom was special to me as a teen but his was on a whole nother level of special.
I come back once a month to know I’m not alone with this and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Beautiful film. I really felt it, when he said "I just want to be normal"
Thank you so much for your words!
Best short film I’ve seen in a long time.
:)
Miles...this is a very powerful short film. I'm from the UK and multiple TBI brain bleeds nearly killed me, this resulted in uncontrollable seizures which put me in a coma for a month. I am now highly medicated and classed as a high risk epileptic. It's an odd experience because despite the trauma/etc, no one knows apart from close family; and part of me feels ashamed as I am no longer 'normal', or at least, I don't see myself as normal and I hate it. I'll contribute however I can!
Thiank you for such an accurate ciew of our lives.I can't tell you how many rimes I sat on the floor in the bathroom at school like that.,post itcal before going vack to class.Those flourscent lights at school were a huge trigger..I had surgery and have surgery controlled TLE,36 years seizure frree but i'll never forget what it was like.
One of my close friends has epilepsy, and I love how this film shows the struggles and respect towards it. You have my text, thank you for this film, and I hope I could be apart of a project like this someday
I was telling my mom about epilepsy the other day. I told her I want to donate to this cause because I want to make sure that the world knows epilepsy is something serious. And it’s something that needs to be talked about more. Thank you for this short film I absolutely love Pearce Joza’s acting in this film! I will be donating right away!:) this is the best film I ever seen that actually TALKS AND DESCRIBES what people with epilepsy go through. 🥺 thank you, thank you so much for everyone who made this film.
Thank you so much!
"I just want to be a normal person." Im going to cry..
I had no idea Pearce was such an amazing actor. They both did amazing in this and so did you
This made me cry, I always say how I just wanna be normal. I’m at the age when I want to have a kid and I know it’s going to be difficult especially with the meds, the possibility of not being able to breast feed and the complications it could have at birth it’s terrible. Thank you for making this and bringing awareness to the fact that this is more serious than people realize.
I'm not crying!!! Ok I'm crying!!!
I got diagnosed at 14 (now 27) but this had me sobbing the whole time. Especially when he said "I just want to be normal" and fixed his dislocated shoulder
As a mother of a 19 year old smart, lovely and handsome boy who is suffering from epilepsy since 2020 and has his left shoulder dislocated, just wanted to say thank you for this brilliant film, it touches every parent's heart who has a child with epilepsy.
I love this. This is big. We have to get this out there. Perfect portrayal of living with epilepsy but heartfelt an relatable to everyone. Let’s do this!
“I just want to be normal.. One time.” I wanted to cry at this line 😢
Can we just acknowledge that she was one of the VERY (shockingly) few people who would actually stay with a person having a seizure? It’s incredible how many people leave
I thought it was great! Thank you for making something for this community.❤ My boyfriend has epilepsy and I think this would be a great film for others to know more about epilepsy.
Thank you so much!
This is so moving to me because I've had epilepsy since June 29th 2016. It brought back memories since I actually had a seizure at prom myself. The whole "I know I will never be normal" really hits hard of all this film. Relief to know that I am not alone
Also I am 21 I was diagnosed a week after my 16th birthday
I'd have to say that my favorite parts are when the girl is calm and asks him if he wants to go to the prom with her, and then when he calls his mom and tells her "I'm tired of missing out".❤️💜
Thank you Miles Levin. You should do a documentary as well…. My daughter doesn’t have photosensitive but bright lights hurt her eyes…..
This made me cry. Thank you so much for makeing it. And it's great that you're shining light on this.
Hi Miles, I have epilepsy and despite it not letting that stop my career goals, the multiple brain surgeries along the way made everything more difficult. I am a 24 year old teacher now, about to start my PhD, and seizures have made my path so much harder. I could not stop tearing up when he showed his tongue, as well as when he said just wanted to be 'normal'. Even realistically describing how it feels to have a seizure (tonic clonic or absence) to 'normal' person or having medication without so many side effects would be a dream. Thank you for this! 💜
As a mom to a true warrior I cannot thank you enough for making this movie! My entire family will be at opening night!! Thank you 💜💜💜
Thank you! Please share!
wow pearce joza is dang talented. i love him so much. i love this film so much, it's dang good. good job making/filming it
Even though I don't have epilepsy, I'm glad there's more people spreading awareness of it
Having epilepsy for over 50 years now this brought back memories of when I was younger. The constant crying after I'd had a seizure and always asking ' Why can't I be normal' and still today years later I still get moments like these.
Good god that felt so real! I'm 44 and was diagnosed epileptic when I was 11. I was wrapped in cotton wool and written off by family and school.
I wasn't even photosensitive back then, but am now. I related to that so hard. I just wanted to be normal.
What a beautiful, profound short film that brought so many feelings back to the surface.
As someone with epilepsy, I really appreciate this especially coming from someone who also has it and who understands.
this made me ship a couple in under 10 minutes and that my friends is called good writing, good acting and good directing!! HELL YES
great acting, script, imagery, pacing. I'd love to see this made into a full length film!
This is amazing! I'm 32 and was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 11. I wish I could say it's gotten easier to deal with over the decades, but it honestly feels more lonely every year. This broke me at "I just want to be normal". I've been saying that to myself everyday for 20 years. Thank you for this.
I’ve been waiting for this for SO LONG
I need this as a full movie 😭😭
This is absolutely phenomenal. You are doing amazing work. Fantastic actors, all of you! Pearce has been my idol for the past six years, & I’ve never been more proud of him
I loved this film, it literally brought me in tears :') Such an amazing work!
this made me cry, theyre both such good actors but im really impressed with pearce, also great film !! it’s truly a masterpiece
Oh my god! I’ve been waiting to watch this for so long and it’s absolutely incredible and exceeded my expectations. Pearce and Alyssa did an amazing job at protraying these characters! This is great representation for the epilepsy community!
This was one of the most amazing dramatizations about Epilepsy. Outstanding.
Thank you SOOO much. I’ve said that I’ve wanted to be normal so many times. I’ve been on numerous meds and have had operations to try to help with my seizures. I’m happy you made this to make others aware.
❤😢😊 thank you Miles and crew! you guys rocked this!
Reminds me of some experiences growing up with epilepsy. Very gripping. Good luck with this!
I have been watching this short film again and again today, and each time I almost feel like crying. I've been dealing with Epilepsy since 1981 and again and again I also have just wanted to feel normal all of these years. Thank you very much for the short film.❤️💜
Hey.. I'm from India and I have Epilepsy. I lost my job recently due to Epilepsy they were saying that this is not normal and can affect our work, I request them to give Work from home. But they refused and I have to take an Amicable exit from the company. I have no friends, I have two sisters and I share everything with them. I love to workout but I don't want to join a gym because I afraid that if I had a seizure there then everyone will know about this and people in India are a bit weird. My parents are always in tensed because of me as they have only one boy and he is not normal but my seizures are controlled now.
I studied that in UK there is a seperate law for Epileptic patients. They have some other rights. And every government should allow this law in their country.
By the way, I loved the movie so muchh I think every Epilepsy patient and also other people loved this people.
Thankyou! For making this short film and its my honor to give my small contribution in the full movie.. I hope it will come soon and it will nomitate for every awards.
What a journey. I'm glad you shared that with me and I'm so glad you liked it!
This was amazing, thank you for all of the work you put into this amazing film. I'd love to see a full version. It made me cry and I'm just so happy someone finally represented the Epilepsy community right. ❤
Like someone with epilepsy, big thank you for this .
It got me in tears
Absolutly Beautiful deep movie and amazing work
Most incredible film ever. Ive been in that b/r, on that floor. Unbelievably remarkable film by someone who could have only lived thru the experience. Wow. You will go very very very far! Thank you. 🙏🏼💜
Everytime I watch this I just start bawling. With having epilepsy for 10 years now and started having them since my junior year of HS, I have missed out on so many events and have CRAVED being able to withstand my triggers just to be able to go out with my friends without a care in the world like they do so I completely know and connect with the story of this film.
Thank you for making this and I look forward to them having enough funding to make this a full movie.
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
👏🏻Well done Miles! This is such an important project. 💜 Thank you.
so excited for the full film! this short film is a comfort when i feel my epilepsy is taking over. we really do just want to be normal
Wow! This was so beautiful! I am a teacher and student of mine has seizures and this movie has helped me to really understand what he has to deal with. Thank you for making this.
A phrase I connect to the most in this amazing short movie is “I just want to be normal.” That hit so hard that I started crying. Thank you for this. Epilepsy truly needs to be recognized more in media and it’s amazing that you’re breaking the glass ceiling for us 💜🎗️
I found out about this through Pearce's Instagram. I didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't this... This is beautiful, it's emotional, and both actors did such an outstanding job. I kind of forgot to breathe for a moment...
beautiful depiction of longing for and finding connection. it delivers everything you could want in a story, while highlighting the physical and emotional stresses that accompany living with seizures.
I have epilepsy and this reminds me of me and my friend every time I have a seizure she holds my hand and I tell her to be with me. I showed her this video and she cried. This film means so much to me thank you.
I was diagnosed with epilepsy back in 2011, and I've hated talking about it to anyone other than my parents. I never see media about epilepsy, let alone a story so similar to my having to avoid so many things in my youth. Hearing "I want to be normal" and "Just be here" honestly just brought me to tears, because I've had to say it all multiple times. Epilepsy is so hard to deal with throughout life. This story shows it, yet it ends so beautiful. Thank you ❤
I truly love this! I also have epilepsy and this was beyond relatable. I admire your work and please know - You are a true inspiration 💜
As someone who has something very similar to Non-Epileptic seizures, this film makes me cry. For someone to be there even if you can’t see them when you have a seizure, it makes the difference. I love the awareness!
Absolutely brilliant work! I'm so proud of you and amazed at this project. Look forward to having you come to our organization as a speaker!