We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joshua Franklin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joshua below.

Alright, Joshua thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Our mission with Rise Above The Rims is to give voice to the resilience and strength of people who face challenging circumstances every day. Inspired by real-life events—and altered in details to protect privacy—the story captures the complex reality of young people navigating tough choices in environments where opportunities are scarce, and survival often comes at a high cost.

Growing up in Cincinnati, I saw firsthand the weight of these struggles: the sacrifices, the dreams deferred, and the quiet resilience it takes to keep pushing forward. This film isn’t just a project; it’s deeply personal. Through the characters of Caleb and Deandre, we aim to challenge stereotypes and invite audiences to see beyond labels, exploring the humanity, loyalty, and hope that live in overlooked communities.

With Rise Above The Rims, we want to spark empathy and understanding—to show that even in the hardest situations, people are fighting to rise above. This is a story for those who refuse to give up, even when the odds are against them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Joshua L. Franklin, an actor, writer, and filmmaker from Cincinnati, Ohio, and storytelling has always been at the core of what I do. Growing up, I found myself drawn to complex characters and stories that bring out the raw and real sides of life, and I studied drama early on to start exploring that world. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to work on several projects, including Mosaic’s Symphony, Boy Soul Man Heart, and Technically Yours, and now I’m both starring in and writing Rise Above The Rims, my most personal project to date.

Rise Above The Rims isn’t just a story; it’s a film that speaks to the reality so many young people live today. It’s inspired by real events and by communities that rarely get their stories told authentically. In this film, we dive into the lives of two young men, Caleb and Deandre, who are balancing family, friendship, and survival in a world that challenges their dreams at every turn. By bringing this story to life, we’re showing the complexities of growing up in a tough environment—where choices aren’t always black and white, and resilience is the real skill needed to survive.

What sets Rise Above The Rims apart, I believe, is the authenticity of the story and the depth of the characters. It’s about telling a story without sensationalizing it. Instead, we focus on empathy and understanding, on exploring the humanity within these situations. I want my work to make audiences feel, reflect, and connect—to see life from another perspective and perhaps better understand people who live these realities every day.

I’m most proud of staying true to the vision of Rise Above The Rims, even when it meant making tough choices to protect the heart of the story. It’s a film created with purpose, care, and the drive to give something meaningful to the audience. For me, this work is about contributing to a world where stories like Caleb and Deandre’s are told honestly and with respect, so they can inspire empathy and hope.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my business partner, Deandre Dye, during a family gathering when we were both teenagers. We bonded over our shared passion for storytelling and film. I remember sitting around the dinner table, animatedly discussing our favorite movies and the impact they had on us. Deandre had this incredible knack for bringing characters to life with his vivid imagination and energy, and I was immediately drawn to his creative vision.

As we grew older, our conversations shifted from just fandom to our aspirations in the film industry. Deandre was always the one pushing me to take risks and to tell the stories that mattered to us. We began collaborating on small projects, experimenting with scripts and short films, and realized we had a unique synergy in our creative process.

What really solidified our partnership was when we decided to work on Rise Above The Rims. Deandre brought invaluable insights and a fresh perspective to the project, especially regarding character development and authenticity. His commitment to representing our community’s stories resonated with me, making him the perfect partner for this journey. Together, we are passionate about creating impactful narratives that spark conversations and inspire audiences.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale is essential, especially on a project like Rise Above The Rims. I believe in fostering open communication where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Setting clear goals helps the team understand their roles and how they contribute to the project’s vision, which keeps everyone motivated. Celebrating both big and small wins reinforces our commitment and boosts morale. Creating a positive work environment is crucial; I strive to foster camaraderie and respect among the cast and crew. Leading by example, I aim to embody the dedication and passion I hope to inspire in others. Ultimately, being approachable and supportive makes a significant difference in building strong connections and a motivated team, which is vital for bringing Rise Above The Rims to life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseabovetherims?igsh=Y3RhOXp5cmdlc3pl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564977711392&mibextid=JRoKGi
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/WMJg8gS149Y?si=jAWym6CXS8QECpEI

Image Credits