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. The film follows Leo as a passionate, but drained community organizer who is ascending from the mishaps of the Bay Area streets, including gentrification, mass incarceration, and a culture that is being extorted from the inside out.

  • Leo Mercer
    Director
    PLUS, Nature Boy
  • Leo Mercer
    Writer
  • Leo Mercer
    Producer
    3AM in Oakland
  • Tywain Harris
    Producer
    BACK
  • Adimu Madyun
    Producer
    BLK GRL MGK
  • Rafael Flores
    Producer
    PLUS
  • 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"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Feature, Music Video, Student, Short
  • Genres:
    Hip Hop, Civic Engagement, Community Organizing
  • Runtime:
    56 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 1, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    4,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Reach Ashland Youth Center Screening
    Oakland CA
    United States
    April 1, 2019
    San Leandro Premiere
    Official Selection
  • New Parkway Screening
    Oakland
    United States
    September 8, 2019
    Oakland PrePremeire
    Official Selection
  • Safe Return Screening
    Richmond
    United States
    August 21, 2019
    Contra Costa Premeire
    Official Selection
  • RYSE Film Festival
    Richmond
    United States
    October 3, 2018
    Richmond Preview
    PLUS
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.

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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