Full Breakdown
Turn the Lights Back On: Indie Dramedy Announced
7/22/2026, 1:28:56 AM
Core Announcement
Academy Award-nominee June Squibb and Emmy winner Alex Borstein have been confirmed to headline the upcoming indie dramedy *Turn the Lights Back On*. The film, described as the feature debut of writer-director Dave Pantano, was announced in June and is positioned as a contemporary family drama rooted in experiences from the Covid era.
Premise and Themes
*Turn the Lights Back On* is based on true events and draws inspiration from the challenges many families faced during the pandemic. The story follows a household forced to confront decades of unresolved tensions as the world shuts down. Borstein portrays Emma, an elementary-school teacher navigating perimenopause, mounting family responsibilities, and the difficult decision to place her aging mother in assisted living. Squibb plays Mary, Emma’s mother, who clings to control while her faculties decline and dementia progresses. The narrative is likened to the tone of films such as *Little Miss Sunny*, *August: Osage County* and *The Brothers McMullen*.
Creative Team and Cast
- June Squibb – Oscar-nominated actress known for *Nebraska* and recent indie work *Eleanor the Great* and *Thelma*.
- Alex Borstein – Emmy-winning performer, also serving as a producer on the project.
- Dave Pantano – Writer-director making his feature debut.
- Producers – Dino Maglaris, Harrison Chiu, and Addie Scott Irwin of Salado Pictures, alongside Alex Borstein and Marni Rosenzweig of The Rosenzweig Group.
Production Details
The film is being produced by Salado Pictures in partnership with The Rosenzweig Group. Squibb is represented by BRS/Gage. The project’s tone and structure aim to blend humor and drama in a manner reminiscent of early 2000s independent family films.
Anticipated Release and Context
While a specific release date has not been disclosed, the announcement signals that the film will enter production soon, with expectations that it will reach audiences in the near future. The project adds to a growing slate of post-pandemic stories exploring how families adapt to unprecedented societal disruptions.
