Directing

Leon Gast

Born March 1, 1936 · Jersey City, New Jersey, USA (age 90)

Leon Gast is an American documentary film director, producer, cinematographer, and editor. His documentary When We Were Kings depicting the iconic heavyweight boxing match termed The Rumble in the Jungle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman won the 1996 Academy Award for Documentary Feature and the Independent Spirit Award. Gast co-directed the 1977 documentary The Grateful Dead Movie with guit…

Known For

When We Were KingsWhen We Were Kings · 1996
When We Were Kings
7.61996
MovieDocumentary
It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a willing backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire, and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set, including a musical festival featuring some of America's top black performers, like James Brown and B.B. King.
Smash His CameraSmash His Camera · 2010
Smash His Camera
6.92010
MovieDocumentary
A film centering on the life and work of Ron Galella that examines the nature and effect of paparazzi.
SalsaSalsa · 1976
Salsa
10.01976
MovieDocumentaryMusic
The Fania All Stars perform for 44,000 fans at Yankee stadium in New York. Besides concert footage, there's also included a history of Salsa, and vintage film clips of Hollywood's portrayal of Latinos in movies during the 1930's and 40's.
MannyManny · 2014
Manny
6.42014
MovieDocumentaryDrama
From abject poverty to becoming a ten-time boxing world champion, congressman, and international icon, Manny Pacquiao is the true definition of a Cinderella story. In the Philippines, he first entered the ring as a sixteen-year-old weighing ninety-eight pounds with the goal of earning money to feed his family. Now, almost twenty years later, when he fights, the country of 100 million people comes to a complete standstill to watch. Regarded for his ability to bring people together, Pacquiao entered the political arena in 2010. As history’s first boxing congressman, Pacquiao now fights for his people both inside and outside of the ring. Now at the height of his career, he is faced with maneuvering an unscrupulous sport while maintaining his political duties. The question now is, what bridge is too far for Manny Pacquiao to cross?
Soul PowerSoul Power · 2009
Soul Power
6.52009
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Soul Power is a 2008 documentary film about the Zaire 74 music festival in Kinshasa which accompanied the Rumble in the Jungle heavyweight boxing championship match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in October 1974. The film was made from archival footage; other footage shot at the time focusing on the fight was edited to form the film When We Were Kings.
Hells Angels ForeverHells Angels Forever · 1983
Hells Angels Forever
6.41983
MovieDocumentary
What starts off as a squadron of American daredevil bombers in World War II, branded by society as renegades, turns into a revealing ride into the world of honor, violence, and undying passion for motorcycles on the road.
The Grateful Dead Movie 2025 Meet-UpThe Grateful Dead Movie 2025 Meet-Up · 2025
The Grateful Dead Movie 2025 Meet-Up
2025
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Grateful Dead celebrate their 60th Anniversary with a highly anticipated return to big screens for the annual theatrical event “Meet-Up At The Movies” in select territories worldwide on August 14. For a limited time only, this special cinematic event allows fans to come together and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead. THE GRATEFUL DEAD MOVIE follows the legendary band on what at the time was believed to be their final performances, a five-night run at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom in October 1974, the final night billed as “The Last One.” Featuring stellar live performances, mind-bending animation, interviews with band members and crew, the film has a rare focus on the band’s fans and their deep commitment to the Dead Head lifestyle. Be sure to stay till the end for the exclusive theatrical premier of “China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider”, a bonus live performance not included in the official release.
The Grateful Dead MovieThe Grateful Dead Movie · 1977
The Grateful Dead Movie
7.11977
MovieMusicDocumentary
The Grateful Dead performs live at Winterland in San Francisco in October 1974.

Filmography

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MannyManny · 2014
Manny
6.42014
MovieDocumentaryDrama
From abject poverty to becoming a ten-time boxing world champion, congressman, and international icon, Manny Pacquiao is the true definition of a Cinderella story. In the Philippines, he first entered the ring as a sixteen-year-old weighing ninety-eight pounds with the goal of earning money to feed his family. Now, almost twenty years later, when he fights, the country of 100 million people comes to a complete standstill to watch. Regarded for his ability to bring people together, Pacquiao entered the political arena in 2010. As history’s first boxing congressman, Pacquiao now fights for his people both inside and outside of the ring. Now at the height of his career, he is faced with maneuvering an unscrupulous sport while maintaining his political duties. The question now is, what bridge is too far for Manny Pacquiao to cross?

Director

The Grateful Dead Movie 2025 Meet-UpThe Grateful Dead Movie 2025 Meet-Up · 2025
The Grateful Dead Movie 2025 Meet-Up
2025
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Grateful Dead celebrate their 60th Anniversary with a highly anticipated return to big screens for the annual theatrical event “Meet-Up At The Movies” in select territories worldwide on August 14. For a limited time only, this special cinematic event allows fans to come together and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead. THE GRATEFUL DEAD MOVIE follows the legendary band on what at the time was believed to be their final performances, a five-night run at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom in October 1974, the final night billed as “The Last One.” Featuring stellar live performances, mind-bending animation, interviews with band members and crew, the film has a rare focus on the band’s fans and their deep commitment to the Dead Head lifestyle. Be sure to stay till the end for the exclusive theatrical premier of “China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider”, a bonus live performance not included in the official release.

Director

Pointer Sisters: All Night LongPointer Sisters: All Night Long · 2003
Pointer Sisters: All Night Long
2003
MovieMusic
SONGS 1. Hands Up 2. All Night Long 3. Steam Heat 4. Salt Peanuts 5. Swanee River Medley 6. Old Songs 7. Ba Meir Bist Du Schien 8. That's Aplenty 9. Alexandra's Ragtime Band 10. I Wish I Could Shimmy 11. Yes We Can 12. Love Up In Them Hills In 1974 The Pointer Sisters were at the height of their fame. In that year they performed in Kinshasa (Zaïre) in front of 80,000 people. This was during a music festival in honor of the fight of the century between Mohammed Ali and George Foreman. On this DVD you can see how "The Sisters" are playing the 80,000 strong audience and the audience is playing them... Leon Gast (Academy Award winner for When We Were Kings) filmed this extraordinary concert. Now enjoy this historical and unforgettable concert on DVD.

Editor