Epilepsy Services of New Jersey is proud to celebrate Under the Lights, the short fiction film written and directed by Miles Levin, for receiving the Princeton Tiger Award at the 10th Annual Nassau Film Festival in Princeton. Chosen by audience vote, the award reflects the powerful connection viewers formed with the film and its message.
Under the Lights tells the story of Sam, a high school student living with epilepsy, as he decides whether to attend prom while knowing that flashing lights and strobes could trigger a seizure. It is a deeply relatable moment that captures the balance between independence and risk that many people living with epilepsy navigate every day. By focusing on a coming-of-age moment that resonates with audiences, the film brings visibility to experiences that are often misunderstood or left out of mainstream storytelling.
Authentic representation matters. One in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime, yet media portrayals have historically overlooked the everyday realities of living with the condition. Under the Lights offers a more accurate and human perspective, showing epilepsy as part of a person’s life, not the defining feature of who they are. Stories like this help reduce stigma, build understanding, and spark meaningful conversations.
Festival Director Lew Goldstein, who also serves as a Trustee of the Family Resource Network and Epilepsy Services of New Jersey, commented on the importance of the film:
“Cinema has historically stigmatized or overlooked people living with epilepsy. A population affecting 1 in 26 people worldwide has rarely been represented authentically on screen. Under the Lights is notable for its effort to portray these experiences with clarity and care. The audience response at this year’s festival reflects a growing awareness and a shift toward more accurate representation.”
The recognition at the Nassau Film Festival also comes at an exciting time for the project. What began as an award-winning short film is now expanding into a full-length feature, currently in development. As Under the Lights continues its journey to the big screen, Epilepsy Services of New Jersey is proud to celebrate the growing impact of stories that reflect the real experiences of people living with epilepsy.
To learn more about Under the Lights and follow updates on the upcoming feature film, visit underthelightsfilm.com.