Leandre Sanders, known as Skategoat, emerges from the sun-soaked streets of Venice Beach, LA, in the gripping documentary Skategoat directed by Van Alpert. Born into a world of gangs and crime, Leandre’s salvation lies in his unwavering passion for skateboarding. While his older brothers succumb to the allure of gang life, Leandre spends his days and nights at the Venice Beach skatepark, perfecting his craft alongside his younger brother, Leontay.
Van Alpert’s lens captures a decade of Leandre’s life, documenting his struggle to survive and thrive. At just 11 years old, Leandre’s prodigious talent catches the eye of the filmmaker. The result? A raw, unfiltered portrayal of what it takes to make it in the skating world and survive as a disadvantaged kid in the United States. As Leandre faces adversity—sleeping rough at the skate park bowl, relying on friends like Haden and the kindness of a local woman named Katie—his drive to skate never wavers. Set against the palpable decline of LA, the film showcases Leandre’s unique ‘no stance’ skate style, which propels him to international acclaim.
The electrifying soundtrack pulses through the documentary, underscoring Leandre’s emotional journey. Interviews with skateboarding legends like Tony Hawk and Haden McKenna provide insight into the sport’s culture and Leandre’s indomitable spirit.
Skategoat isn’t just about skateboarding; it’s a testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. Leandre’s story transcends the concrete ramps—he becomes a symbol of hope for anyone facing adversity.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
