Kalani (Joi Campbell), is a teenager living in Harlem 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 educational future. As Kalani's siblings get caught in a myriad of hardships, Kalani teeters on the brink of ruin as she struggles to keep both her family and her dream 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 American.
Acting
Joi Campbell carries the whole damn movie on her shoulders.
Production
Harlem shot with love—every bodega and project hallway breathes.
Director
Robert Rippberger
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot in just 18 days on location in Harlem, with many locals cast as extras.
The film quietly critiques the 'meritocracy' myth—Kalani's 4.0 means nothing without luck and white institutional gatekeeping.
US
