Decypher
Decypher is a documentary on the evolution of Breaking (breakdance) in Montreal, and traces the arrival of this dance in the Quebec metropolis, in the 80s, and its recent evolution.
Interview with Director/Producer/Actor/Editor Léo Caron
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made the film because I was genuinely interested to learn about the history of my hometown's Breaking (breakdance) history, because I knew there were some unsung heroes to discover. I also made it to show the world the beauty behind the culture of Breaking, and the importance of keeping this artform alive.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think you should watch this film if you want to know about Montreal, and all its cultural potential. Even more, if you want to learn about the marginal underground dance culture that is breaking and its evolution since the 80s. It's also just a very hypnotic experience because of the VHS archives and modern melancholic beats (music). Last but not least I would watch the film to witness incredible physical movements done with style.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I've been a breaker or bboy (breakdancer) since about 10 years old and I'm now 28. I've practiced this art very seriously, participated in this culture to the maximum extent, traveled the world to compete, teach and judge competitions. That goes without saying, I've been really active in the Montreal breaking community since a kid, interacting with the dancers and pioneers, attending dance events and even organizing multiple very successful events (such as Skillz O`Meter). I've also been a cinema enthusiast since a kid. There's not a documentary topic that could be more suited to my experience.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
As my first film and documentary, it took me many months to decide on the precise direction I wanted it to go. There were also a ton of archives and interviews (about 30 lasting about an hour each). The structure (themes, segments, « plot ») evolved and changed many times until I started to see appear a unifying frame that I wanted to go with. I also came back more than a year after filming the interviews to incorporate a new b-roll of Montreal to help the visual narration of the film and also put my hand on new unreleased VHS footage to corroborate specific events described by interviewees that I didn't yet have.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I received a huge majority of positive feedback, from the pioneers of the Montreal scene, from young dancers all over the world, and from people who really didn't know much about what Breaking is about, but wanted to learn about it. The positive feedback was linked to the good rhythm of the film, the nice connexion between the footage, the music and the narration. Also, people mentioned that the succession of events described in the docu was really accessible and clear.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not really. But I definitely think the era the less explored in the film (about 2006 - 2012) because it's already accessible on Youtube and other digital platforms, could be the subject of another documentary.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I want a broader audience for the film. I want people to hear the story presented in the film (and whatever it will bring to their lives) and I'm also open to any eventual broader distribution and commercialization of the film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
All of the above. The message will stay the same whoever is pushing it, and it's about the importance of seeing Breaking through an artistic and cultural lens. For another year, the film cannot be bought or presented fully outside of festivals and outdoor screenings since I have a contract with the broadcaster Jackalope.tv, but after August 2024, I would definitely be interested to sell it to a major platform if the opportunity arises. If not, it's not at all a problem for me, I just want the film to be «out there».
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like people to reconsider why they practice the art form. Could it be more beneficial to their lives if they saw it from a more artistic perspective? I want people to see the beauty in this art form and all its positive aspects, and I would also like them to get more interested in the art form, or any other marginal underground art form. I also want to make them crave a trip to Montreal!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How should we keep the cultural and artistic aspect of Breaking alive in an era where it's gaining all its attraction and Recognition from its sports aspect?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm just practicing breaking a couple of times a week just for my personal pleasure, as I've always done. I'm also pushing the promotion and broadcasting of the film across different platforms. I'm planning a two-week trip to Morocco this autumn to give breaking workshops and broadcast the film to different audiences (in collaboration with the French Institute over there).
Interview: May 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Decypher
Decypher is a documentary on the evolution of Breaking (breakdance) in Montreal, and traces the arrival of this dance in the Quebec metropolis, in the 80s, and its recent evolution.
Length: 50:24
Director: Léo Caron
Producer: Léo Caron, Adrian Colina
About the writer, director and producer:
Professional break dancer, event organizer, actor and now documentary filmmaker, LÉO CARON has been involved in street dance since childhood. Co-creator of the internationally renowned Breaking competition Skillz O'Meter, and having traveled around the world several times to teach his art, participate in and judge competitions, he now offers to transmit his first passion through the medium of movie making.
Key cast: David Dundas (narrator), Yvon Soglo (narrator), Irvin St-Louis (narrator), Kate Alsterlund (narrator), Luca Patuelli (narrator)
Looking for: film festival directors, journalists, buyers and distributors
Facebook: Léo Fléau
Instagram: @flayosito
Hashtags used: #arts, #culture, #history, #breaking, #breakdance, #bboying, #bgirling, #montreal, #canada, #dance, #hip hop
Made in association with: Jackalope.tv
Funders: Jackalope.tv
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Hip Hop Cinefest/Italy - May 12/13th