LEVEL, the short film

LEVEL is the story of a rural carpenter who as a response to his son's waning health and his crumbling marriage has only fortified his hardness and anger. He races to do for his son the one thing he knows how: build something. It’s a story that explores the depths of human suffering and healing.

LEVEL showed at the 2021 Phoenix Film Festival and won “Best Indie Film” at the 2021 Faith in Film festival. You can read the original short story HERE.

The Idea

I was immediately captivated by this moving story, first written by Elizabeth Genovise and published in Plough Quarterly. It’s a story of brokenness and how in those moments of suffering there is still the potential for it to be used for good. I think this theme is so relevant to the recent events in our world - events that can set us on a trajectory of either ruin or transformation. Since taking on this project I feel even more convinced of its need.

My first step on this journey was to reach out to Miss Genovise, who was to my surprise very supportive of the idea! As I continued to explore the possibility of this project, I kept encountering one open door after another. I started writing the screenplay in early 2020 and I began to assemble a team of people to help make this a reality. In June we casted our wonderful actors, who were passionate about the story and the depth of the characters that they were playing. I was connected with Paul Lasota, who came on board as our talented and hard-working director of photography. Many people generously contributed to our crowdfunding campaign to help us reach our financial goal, which was the final green light for this project. People have poured their hearts and souls into this film and I am excited about that combination of skill and passion coming through on the screen.

The Making

We started shooting in October 2020, in Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ. It was an amazing (and exhausting) experience, one that all the cast and crew expressed to be very rewarding. I tackled the slow process of editing, color grading and sound mixing. I worked with the talented Sam Rankin and Lizzy Shell who created the incredible music. And in January of 2021 the film was finally completed, one year after beginning the journey. It’s been a lot of work! But also a lot of fun, and a great learning experience!

Thanks to all those who have supported this project, in one way or another, and for believing in me. I could not have done it without you! I look forward to sharing this with everyone soon!

- Matt Linderman

Director

News

LEVEL was very well received at the 2021 Phoenix Film Festival and won “Best Indie Film” at the 2021 Faith in Film festival.

It has also been featured by Plough Quarterly, the magazine that first published the original story.

The full film is now available to view online. You can follow us on Instagram or subscribe to the email list for further updates. Thanks for your interest!

-Matt (Nov 17, 2021)

The Music

The original soundtrack by Sam Rankin and Lizzy Shell is available for your listening pleasure. You can find it on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon by searching for “Level short film”