Punching at the Sun

Debut director Tanuj Chopra's deeply felt coming-of-age story explores the ties of brotherhood and the struggle to move on after personal loss. When his older brother is gunned down in his family's Queens convenience store, teenager Mameet (Misu Khan) goes into a tailspin of anger and self-doubt. Confrontations ensue with family, friends, and enemies alike before a ray of hope appears in Shawni (Nina Edmonds), a spirited romantic who slowly lures Mameet out of his armor of hate and defiance, and helps him realize his self-worth and the world of promise lying ahead for him.