The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island, based in East Meadow, will host a special advance screening of the feature film “Under the Lights” on June 8 at The Space at Westbury, using the event to raise awareness about epilepsy and seizure disorders.
Writer, director and executive producer Miles Levin will attend the screening, introducing the film and participating in a question-and-answer session afterward. The event is intended to bring together individuals, families and community members through storytelling and conversation centered on the realities of living with epilepsy.
“Under the Lights tells an incredibly powerful story that reflects the often-unseen challenges individuals living with epilepsy face every single day,” Lisa Burch, president and chief executive officer of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, said in a news release. “We are proud to bring this important film to Long Island as part of our ongoing mission to educate, advocate and create greater understanding surrounding epilepsy and seizure disorders. Through storytelling and shared experiences, we can help foster compassion, awareness and support for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy.”
The film follows a teenager who risks everything for a chance to attend prom, experience first love and feel normal despite the dangers his epilepsy could bring to the night. The cast includes Nick Offerman, Lake Bell, Mark Duplass, Randall Park and Marin Hinkle.
Levin will also offer signed posters to attendees following the screening. Organizers said the event is designed to create a space for people affected by epilepsy to share experiences and engage in meaningful dialogue, while helping others better understand the condition.
“Education and awareness surrounding epilepsy are critically important because seizure disorders impact individuals and families in ways many people may not fully realize,” Irene Rodgers, chief development and engagement officer of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, said. “Events like this create an opportunity to open conversations, challenge misconceptions and help people better understand the social and medical realities that individuals living with epilepsy experience every day. Awareness leads to empathy, support and ultimately a stronger community for everyone affected.”
The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island serves more than 35,000 Long Islanders living with epilepsy through advocacy, education and outreach programs, including Seizure First Aid Certification training and the Seizure Smart Schools initiative.
Tickets are $20 and include a pre-screening cocktail reception, admission to the film, the Q&A session and other event activities. The screening is scheduled for Monday, June 8, at The Space at Westbury. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/UndertheLights0608826.
