Un Certain Regard Q&A: Adam Leon on Gimme The Loot

Gimme The Loot tells of the vengeance of two New York graffiti artists who discover their graffiti have been covered over by those of a rival gang. It is the debut film by young American director Adam Leon.

What does Un Certain Regard mean to you ?

For me it’s the worldwide stage for films that epitomise bold expression, cinematic skill, vision. It’s this amazing, unique mix of the historic importance of Cannes with the pulse of the now. And as with everything at Cannes, these films hopefully present the possibility of seeing a story, an idea, a performance, a setting that is new and thrilling. To have a film I was a part of selected to play here is of course an honor, very encouraging to our entire team, and at the same time deeply humbling.

Why is cinema essential to you ?

It’s difficult to verbalize something that feels so much a part of me. I cannot remember a time where movies were not an essential part of my life. I think I’ve always been drawn with the journey of cinema, being taken to a world created by artists who use this technology filled with endless possibilities. This shared place where dreams go to live. It’s beautiful and I deeply love watching movies and making movies.

Which type of cinema or which film continues to inspire you ?

Any time I sit down and watch a movie I will take something from it, even if it’s not a work I fall in love with. I may be inspired by not make the mistakes those filmmakers made or I may be inspired by a very specific moment, a dress an actress wears, etc. But if there is one specific film that continues and constantly inspires me in terms of it’s excellence, I would say Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon. I go back to that movie often and am in awe of how “perfect” it is, this beautiful, elegant work, but yet also how wonderfully human and funny it is at the same time. And I would say that overall my cinematic idol is Robert Altman. I love that man and his heart, vision, and sensibility.

What question would you like to ask to any film director ?
Ultimately, when I see a good director’s work, I hopefully will be flooded with questions, but it’s not necessarily for anyone specific, even the director. So this may not be the most graceful or romantic answer, but right now my focus and obsession is on making my next movie. I would want to ask any film director whose career I admire for their advice on moving forward and their experiences from when they were at this stage in their career.

What are you expecting from the Festival de Cannes ?

It’s daunting showing this very local work that comes from a specific community to an international audience, but also truly exciting and fulfilling. I’m not sure how audiences will react to the movie so I don’t know what to expect. But we are at the absolute best stage for cinema in the world, and that’s because of the programming, history, and audiences that attend, so no matter what, I’m very much looking forward to being amongst so many dedicated, passionate people who love this art form. That’s a very cool thing for sure.