Under the Lights - An Award Winning Epilepsy Film
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- 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.c...
Reach out to me at www.Underthelig...
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
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 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!
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.
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!
I come back once a month to know I’m not alone with this and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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 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.
*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.
So proud of this film !!!!
Thank you!
Best short film I’ve seen in a long time.
:)
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
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'm not crying!!! Ok I'm crying!!!
I need this as a full movie 😭😭
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.
My daughter is 4 and was diagnosed w epilepsy the fear I have for her when she climb, run, and do things a kid without epilepsy can do frightens me and this film bought tears to my eyes just thinking about what her future could possibly hold! My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who is living with this condition
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. ❤
So good!! I want to see a full feature with these two same actors!!
This would be awesome! I have epilepsy and there’s no representation for it!!!! This is absolutely phenomenal!!!!!
Thank you for spreading awareness on epilepsy and keep up the good work
Thank you! We are looking for investors for the feature please spread the word so we can make the biggest epilepsy awareness campaign of all time.
LO AME!! this film was amazing!
this is such a great short film
Hola, me encanta. Espero que le den el reconocimiento y el apoyo que se merece ♡
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 💜
I would love to watch this as a movie, I hope that if they're able to get enough funding that they'll get pearce to play the full character, watching his personal acting development from Mech-x4 to zombies 2 & 3 and now this short film, he's incredible
Coming soon! Go to the website to get updates!
Great work yall
Ppl with Epilepsy are human as well and should be treated with respect
Fun fact-
Pearce Joza and Alyssa Jirrels both were in Disney xds “Mech x4”
Pearce as “spyder” and Alyssa as “Veracity”
The show has 2 seasons and it’s actually pretty amazing nice seeing them collab again!!!
Really enjoyed watching this. Great performance and writing!
So Inspiring- thanks for making this. Best of luck- you will get this done!
I legit cried
Did they make the film !
Is there any way to see the full length? I am ecliptic myself.
Hi! The feature is in development. For updates go to www.underthelightsfilm.com and put your email in!
❤
This was great.
Epileptic here, is this photosensitive-friendly
Yeah, it's okay :)
Yes it is
But it's emo
I just saw that this short film is going to be an actual movie and it’s amazing, I was looking for this for ages and now I finally found it, CONGRATS🫶🏻🎉
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
@@thefisherking78 really!!! When will it be out?
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.
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 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
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.
"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’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!
What do we do? “Just be here.” Only us know how hard that line hit
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
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!
“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💜
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 :)
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 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
I don’t even have seizures and I still hate dim atmospheres with flashing lights. They really should change that!
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
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.
I’m a 15 year old girl with epilepsy, this film really got to me and I relate to it, thank you for this🤍🤍
As a drag queen with epilepsy, it's amazing to see other artist working and raising awareness. Congratulations and thank you Miles.
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!
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!
One of my friends is acting in the full film and sent me this to watch. I love it!
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
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 😢
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
Spyder and Veracity back for a much more serious film. I'm glad to have watched all of Mech X4 before this
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
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 do not have epilepsy, but I have friends with the condition, and I want to know if places such as schools, prom and wedding venues, churches, and concert halls are legally required by law to be free of strobe and blinking lights.
One of my friend’s nephews went to his high school prom or dance and had a seizure due to strobe lights being used.
Also, what puzzles me is that if a prom or dance for people with disabilities/special needs is taking place, there are strobe and blinking lights and the staff and organizers of the event should know better that it is not appropriate for seizure inducing lights to be at certain events due to risk of liability, lawsuits, and complaints.
Correct me if I am wrong: Why do some people with epilepsy wear helmets and some do not? Does it depend on the severity of the condition?
Again, I do not have epilepsy, but I just want to ask questions and learn more about this condition. Please correct me if I am wrong!
Thank you very much!
Hi! Public places are not required to do so, though I agree that school dances and such should really keep it in mind. Not everyone with seizures is sensitive to light. I, for example, am not triggered by lights. I think most of these events would argue that if you know lights are a problem "then don't come", which is obviously cruel and missing the point. Definitely changing the lighting makes these things more inclusive. Not everyone falls while having a seizure either. It's a personal choice to wear a helmet and is usually something a person does if seizures are constant and without warning. Most people don't need to, or don't even need an ambulance. There are some 40 different kinds of epilepsy and no one person is like another, so that's why in this story I tried to stick to universal truths - no one wants to feel left out, everyone has some silent struggle they wish others would understand.
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.
People need to watch this movie , thanks for making this ❤
Congrats Miles & Team! Super awesome to see the product/new beginning of years of work. Very inspiring to see proper representation of a character who also has epilepsy. As someone who experiences nonepileptic seizures, I’m excited for advocacy and advancement with inclusive storytelling so that seizures can be talked about without fear of being treated differently or dealing with stigmas. 🤙
Thanks Buddy!
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!
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.
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
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.
Thank you Miles Levin. You should do a documentary as well…. My daughter doesn’t have photosensitive but bright lights hurt her eyes…..
As someone with epilepsy, 10+ years now, this was bone-chillingly accurate. This needs to become a full-length feature film 💜
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!
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!
👏🏻Well done Miles! This is such an important project. 💜 Thank you.
❤😢😊 thank you Miles and crew! you guys rocked this!
Beautiful film. I really felt it, when he said "I just want to be normal"
Thank you so much for your words!
I have epilepsy. When i open my eyes i see the scared face of my wife I don't want that my kids see that, i dont want that other knew about it. I would like to be normal. But normal people should understand us.
I Love Pearce Joza,tysm..I Love this i litteraly watched this overband over again everyday.. LOVE YOU PEARCE/WYATT/SAM
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.
great acting, script, imagery, pacing. I'd love to see this made into a full length film!
Reminds me of some experiences growing up with epilepsy. Very gripping. Good luck with this!
I’ve been waiting for this for SO LONG
Hey miles I can't wait I actually have autism and I am the same way and thank you for what you do 🤩 🧩
Representation matters! I hope you enjoy.
I had no idea Pearce was such an amazing actor. They both did amazing in this and so did you
Thank God for all the compassionate people like you with the gifts to make such beautiful and important short films like this. 💚&☮️
omg, it was so amazing I want more to this story. definitely gonna share.
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! 💜
If I had money I would give
Just found out about this short/feature film from the Jeremy Andrew Davis channel, and holy shit this is incredible
I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2021 after a massive delay in seizures (my first “big one” was at 10 yrs, and the 2nd when I was 23), and it can honestly be really scary. Mine don’t have a definitive trigger/cause, but they usually happen when I’m asleep, and it can be frightening not remembering what happened beforehand, or realising you’ve bit your tongue or lost control of your body
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!
I want to watch a full movie about someone with Epilepsy.
I only watched First Do No Harm (1997)and Lamb (1985)
Adorei o curta metragem Miles e os outros envolvidos vocês são muito incríveis, maravilhosos, legais, humildes, adoráveis, amáveis,e muito especiais.❤️❤️
Yess I so excited to watch this film I watched the commentary video last night I was getting emotional I’m hope people see this film and they talk to someone about this and I hope they comfortable about talking about epilepsy
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