Private Project

Strive

Kalani (Joi "JoiStaRR" Campbell) is a teenager living in Harlem, New York with her older brother Jacob and her younger sister Bebe while her mother struggles to make ends meet. Her college counselor Mr. Rose (Danny Glover) sees great promise in her future.

As Kalani's siblings get caught in a web of problems, Kalani teeters on the brink of ruin as she struggles to keep both her family and her dream of getting into Yale intact. Strive reminds us that hard work, optimism, and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity is the essence of what it is to be alive.

Directed/Produced by Robert Rippberger (7 DAYS IN SYRIA). Produced by Scott Rosenfelt (MYSTIC PIZZA, HOME ALONE, SMOKE SIGNALS). Written/Produced by Piper Dellums (Disney's THE COLOR OF FRIENDSHIP) and Harlem Native Sha-Risse Smith (also story by). Starring Grammy Nominated Joi "JoiStaRR" Campbell, Shaylin Becton (FRESH OFF THE BOAT, BROADWAY’S THE LION KING), Danny Glover (THE COLOR PURPLE, LETHAL WEAPON, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU), Chelsea Williams, and Ricky Flowers Jr. Music by Warryn Campbell (9 time Grammy Winner producing for Alicia Keys, Mary Mary, Missy Elliot, and Kanye).

  • Robert Rippberger
    Director
  • Sha-Risse Smith
    Writer
  • Piper Dellums
    Writer
  • Robert Rippberger
    Producer
  • Piper Dellums
    Producer
  • Scott Rosenfelt
    Producer
  • Tobias Deml
    Producer
  • Ace Salvador
    Producer
  • Hiroki Kamada
    Producer
  • Danny Glover
    Key Cast
    "Mr. Rose"
  • Joi "JoiStaRR" Campbell
    Key Cast
    "Kalani"
  • Shaylin Becton
    Key Cast
    "Bebe"
  • Ricky Flowers Jr.
    Key Cast
    "Jacob"
  • Chelsea Williams
    Key Cast
    "Grace"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 22 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 22, 2019
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.78 (16x9 V
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Robert Rippberger

Robert Rippberger is a filmmaker with a broad array of creative and executive experience. He most recently directed and produced the Harlem drama, 'Strive,' with Danny Glover and the war on drugs documentary, 'Public Enemy Number One.' Both are in the final stages of post-production.

In 2016, Robert directed/produced the documentary '7 Days in Syria,' a look at the human side of the war in Aleppo. The film was championed by Angelina Jolie, screened at Britain's House of Lords, to senior members of the U.N., and was released on Hulu and Amazon.

Robert went on to executive produce with Jason Blum the feature doc, 'Alive & Kicking'. The film was sold to Magnolia Films after its debut at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival where it received a Grand Jury nomination. The film is available on Netflix.

In 2006, Robert formed the production company Aletheia Films, a philosophy term used to describe 'a disclosing of truth', with a view to make entertaining and impactful films for mass audiences. The company has produced for Trumbull Studios, The NY Times, The Jane Goodall Institute, and Warren Miller.

Robert received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from UC, Berkeley in 2012 where he was awarded the Eisner Prize for his film 'In the Middle.' It is considered "the highest award given for creativity on the UC, Berkeley campus."

-Mini Biography By: Liz Rodriguez

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