Directing

Leon Gast

Born

1936-03-01 (90)

Place of birth

Jersey City, New Jersey, USA

Known for

Directing

Credits

22 titles

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 guitarist Jerry Garcia. The film captured the band's October 1974 five-night performance at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. Gast also co-directed the 1983 film Hell's Angels Forever. A native of Jersey City, New Jersey, Gast studied dramatic arts at Columbia University, and in that same perio…

Known for

When We Were Kings poster
7.6

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.

When We Were Kings

1996

Soul Power poster
6.5

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.

Soul Power

2009

Smash His Camera poster
6.9

A film centering on the life and work of Ron Galella that examines the nature and effect of paparazzi.

Smash His Camera

2010

The Grateful Dead Movie poster
7.2

The Grateful Dead performs live at Winterland in San Francisco in October 1974.

The Grateful Dead Movie

1977

Manny poster
6.4

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?

Manny

2014

Salsa poster
10.0

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.

Salsa

1976

Behind the camera

When We Were Kings poster
7.6

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.

When We Were Kings

1996

When We Were Kings poster
7.6

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.

When We Were Kings

1996

When We Were Kings poster
7.6

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.

When We Were Kings

1996

Soul Power poster
6.5

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.

Soul Power

2009

Smash His Camera poster
6.9

A film centering on the life and work of Ron Galella that examines the nature and effect of paparazzi.

Smash His Camera

2010

The Grateful Dead Movie poster
7.2

The Grateful Dead performs live at Winterland in San Francisco in October 1974.

The Grateful Dead Movie

1977

Manny poster
6.4

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?

Manny

2014

Salsa poster
10.0

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.

Salsa

1976

Salsa poster
10.0

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.

Salsa

1976

No artwork available
3.7

From the Academy Award-winning director of When We Were Kings comes this enthralling tribute to the timeless power and magic of basketball.

1 Love

2003

Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa) poster
8.0

Leon Gast's musical documentary reveals New York City's Latin culture and features live performances of salsa greats The Fania All Stars and The Spanish Speaking People of New York. A document of urban American Hispanic culture, Gast's film captures the rhythms of New York's Spanish Harlem, from illegal cockfights and Santeria rituals to the rooftops and backstreets of El Barrio and the legendary musicians performing at the Cheetah club.

Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa)

1972

No artwork available
9.5

In 1974, at the height of the New York salsa explosion, the Fania All Stars were invited to perform in front of 80,000 people at a stadium in Zaire, Africa.

Fania All Stars: Live In Africa 1974

1993

The Grateful Dead Movie 2025 Meet-Up poster
NR

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 Movie 2025 Meet-Up

2025

Hells Angels Forever poster
6.4

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.

Hells Angels Forever

1983

B.B. King: Live In Africa '74 poster
8.0

In 1974, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman held their heavyweight title fight in Zaire, billing it as the "Rumble in the Jungle". A three-day music festival was staged concurrently, and B.B. King was the headlining act. Anyone who has ever had the fortune to see B.B. King play live, even in his later, seated years knows that he is a consummate showman. B.B. King: Live in Africa '74 presents the man at the peak of his powers, as a performer and as a player.

B.B. King: Live In Africa '74

1998

B.B. King: Live In Africa '74 poster
8.0

In 1974, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman held their heavyweight title fight in Zaire, billing it as the "Rumble in the Jungle". A three-day music festival was staged concurrently, and B.B. King was the headlining act. Anyone who has ever had the fortune to see B.B. King play live, even in his later, seated years knows that he is a consummate showman. B.B. King: Live in Africa '74 presents the man at the peak of his powers, as a performer and as a player.

B.B. King: Live In Africa '74

1998

No artwork available
NR

Is it worth it? Three unique stories look at the work and sacrifice that goes into pursuing athletic dreams in America.

Sporting Dreams

2015

No artwork available
NR

Is it worth it? Three unique stories look at the work and sacrifice that goes into pursuing athletic dreams in America.

Sporting Dreams

2015

B.B. King: Live - Most Famous Hits poster
NR

1. Introduction 2. To Know You Is To Love You 3. I Believe In Myself 4. Why I Sing The Blues 5. Ain't Nobody Home 6. Sweet Sixteen 7. The Thrill Is Gone 8. Guess Who 9. I Like To Live The Love That I Sing About 10. Black Blues

B.B. King: Live - Most Famous Hits

2003

B.B. King: Live - Most Famous Hits poster
NR

1. Introduction 2. To Know You Is To Love You 3. I Believe In Myself 4. Why I Sing The Blues 5. Ain't Nobody Home 6. Sweet Sixteen 7. The Thrill Is Gone 8. Guess Who 9. I Like To Live The Love That I Sing About 10. Black Blues

B.B. King: Live - Most Famous Hits

2003

Pointer Sisters: All Night Long poster
NR

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.

Pointer Sisters: All Night Long

2003

Pointer Sisters: All Night Long poster
NR

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.

Pointer Sisters: All Night Long

2003