Turn the Lights Back On

Turn the Lights Back On is an independent dramedy marking the feature directorial debut of Dave Pantano. Based on true events, the film centers on Emma, an elementary school teacher grappling with perimenopause and family responsibility as she faces the difficult decision to place her aging mother Mary into assisted living at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. As old wounds resurface among her siblings, Emma navigates guilt, grief, and unraveling family dynamics during one of modern history's most isolating moments. Alex Borstein stars as Emma, with June Squibb as her mother Mary. The production is fully financed as a SAG-AFTRA independent feature from Salado Pictures, with Borstein and Marni Rosenzweig of The Rosenzweig Group also producing. Filming is expected to begin later in 2026.