The Lost Element: The Film

The Lost Element is a compilation film that follows a young man by the name of Leo Mercer through the streets of Oakland Ca. It shows his progression from boy to man as he transitions from a wild rebel to healer and community organizer. He targets social issues like fighting mass incarceration and restorative justice practices as ways to heal the Oakland community.

  • Leo Mercer
    Director
    PLUS, Nature Boy
  • Leo Mercer
    Writer
  • Leo Mercer
    Producer
  • Tywain Harris
    Producer
  • Adimu Madyun
    Producer
  • Rafael Flores
    Producer
  • Leo Mercer
    Key Cast
  • Jamel Patterson
    Key Cast
    “Infamous Taz”
  • Royalty Terry
    Key Cast
  • OB Bass
    Key Cast
  • Dajon Ford
    Key Cast
    “Baby Huey”
  • Nicole Lee
    Key Cast
    “News Reporter”
  • Prince K White
    Key Cast
    “Community Organizer”
  • Ronnie Coleman
    Key Cast
    “Ronnie-Bo”
  • Olandis Walker
    Key Cast
    “O-Zone”
  • Malik Hardcastle
    Key Cast
    “Malik X Omar”
  • Julian Chancellor
    Key Cast
    “Natural Keyz”
  • Adimu Madyun
    Key Cast
    “WolfHawkJaguar”
    Protection Shields, Everlasting Coconut Tree
  • Idris Hassan
    Key Cast
  • Brandon Pierce
    Key Cast
    “Brotha Peace”
  • Film Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Feature, Music Video, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Hip Hop, Civic Engagement
  • Runtime:
    40 hours 51 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 1, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    4,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Film Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Leo Mercer

Leo Mercer is an artist and community organizer, born and raised in Oakland Ca. Leo is a student, father, and mentor of the youth in his community. His professional work dates back to 2009, advocating for communities of color in his city and neighboring cities. He has spoken to crowds of thousands on cultural and political issues affecting the Black community and the Hip Hop community. Leo aspires to be a cultural professional that changes the current narrative of hip hop music through education and stories.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Hello beautiful souls. my name is Leo Mercer and music is my passion. Understanding that music alone will not liberate us nor pay the bills, I incorporate it into most aspects of my life.

2018 has been a year. So many highlights, so many dark moments. We turned a white lady calling the police on two black guys for breaking an ordinance into an organized rally called 510 Day & BBQing While Black (Yeah, that was us). We turned Nia Wilson's death into a rally & celebration of life for all young queens who look like her. Oakland is changing dramatically, and it seems that once again the pioneers of the movement are being displaced. Films like The Lost Element will show a more authentic, in the mud style of what Oakland is, and will become. 2019 is looking sweet.

I hope you all enjoy my creative progressions and give feedback please.

Bless,

Leo