Includes a conversation with writer/director Justin Tipping and actors C.J. Wallace, Jahking Guillory and Christopher Meyer

Writer/director Justin Tipping’s debut is an unusual look at life in the inner city—it’s a sneakerhead drama about the turmoil kicked into motion by a pair of Air Jordans. And the shoe that put His Airness on the map will do good things for this film as well. Brandon (Jahking Guillory) is a shy and sweet teen living just outside Oakland who endures all sort of humiliation to achieve his goal—owning a pair of the original and classic red-and-black Nike Air Jordans. When his shoes are stolen and Brandon is further embarrassed by the way it happens, he and his boys Rico (Christopher Meyer) and Albert (CJ Wallace) go looking for them. Their goal: getting the sneaks back from neighborhood tough guy Flaco (Kofi Siriboe), even it means that Brandon has to involve his no-nonsense Uncle (Mahershala Ali). Tipping keeps Kicks in constant physical and psychological motion, and the final tip-off comes as much as a surprise to audiences as it does to his mostly young and little-seen cast. Writer/director Tipping comes to LACMA with actor C.J. Wallace to discuss getting Kicks made.

2016, 87 min, color, DCP | Written by Justin Tipping and Joshua Beirne-Golden; directed by Justin Tipping; with Jahking Guillory, Christopher Meyer, C.J. Wallace, Kofi Siriboe, and Mahershala Ali

Ticketing Information

Film Independent, LACMA Film Club, and the New York Times Film Club members can reserve tickets starting at 12 pm on Thursday, August 18. | Free; limit two tickets per membership. | Proof of member status is required to reserve tickets during advance reservation period.

LACMA member and general-admission tickets can be reserved starting at 12 pm on Thursday, August 25. | Free; limit two tickets.

PLEASE NOTE: Pre-reserved tickets for this event can be picked up at LACMA’s Ticket Office, located in the Hammer Building, on the day of the event—as early as 11 am. Tickets are for general, unreserved Bing Theater seating. Ticketed guests must be in their Bing Theater seat 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Reservations do not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand. Entry is first come, first served, so please arrive early. Program and guest participation subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Tickets are nontransferable and can only be picked up by the individual who purchased or reserved them.