New York Premiere
Punching at the Sun
| USA | 83 MINUTES | English, HindiIn this fiery debut feature, Tanuj Chopra throws us into the life of Mameet Nayak, a South Asian teenager growing up in ethnically diverse Elmhurst, Queens. When Mameet's older brother, a neighborhood basketball legend, is gunned-down in the family convenience store, the entire community reverberates with sadness. Six months later, Mameet is still hopelessly lost in a labyrinth of anger, despair, and isolation. But things really begin to unravel when he learns his younger sister is dating. His testosterone-driven, traditional reaction threatens to tear apart the already fragile family. As Mameet's life continues to spiral down both at home and at school, one hopeful ray of light appears in the form of Shawni, a girl from the neighborhood. With a new voice and a fresh style, Chopra, a Tribeca All Access Connects alumnus, courageously explores issues of identity both at home and in the streets.
Cast & Credits
Frazer Pennebaker and Tanuj Chopra
Tanuj Chopra has been making films since 1998. His short, Butterfly, was shot, produced, and edited entirely in India and won three best film awards in addition to playing at over 20 festivals. His other shorts, Uljhan and Bade Bahiya (Big Brother) have also played in festivals around the country. Chopra holds a BA in Arts Semiotics from Brown University and is currently enrolled in Columbia University's MFA Film program. He is a recipient of the School of the Arts Dean's Fellowship and the FOCUS Film Fellowship. Punching at the Sun is his first feature.
Beacon Theatre
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.