Brandon, fifteen, saves up his money to buy a brand new pair of kicks, hoping that these shoes will help him get the respect and attention he deserves. He spends the next day basking in the newfound glory of these dream shoes. But this glory is short-lived when Brandon is attacked in a parking lot and the shoes are stolen right off his feet. Angry and humiliated, Brandon decides to fight back and ventures into the tough streets of East Oakland along with his two best friends, to recover the kicks. They have the night of their lives, both thrilling and terrifying, and Brandon has to grow up fast as he comes to terms with himself and the world around him. Kicks – a coming-of-age story is the debut feature for director Justin Tipping. A previous AFI graduate and director of the acclaimed short film Nani.