About Us

Dutchmen Films

Dutchmen Films was formed in 2005 by director, writer, producer, and actor Franklin Martin.   A four-year letterman on the Hofstra University Division I basketball team, Franklin named the company after his Alma Mater, The Flying Dutchmen.

The logo reflects his love of the school and the sport that allowed him to become the first person in his family to earn a college degree: Franklin soaring above the countryside of Tennessee where he grew up, piloting the Flying Dutchmen with a basketball and his playing number (22) displayed proudly on the side.

Dutchmen Films prides itself on making films that are truthful to the core.  Within this truth we endeavor to find a beauty that inspires love for humanity.   While life's truths are not always what we hope for, they are what life intends.   By using film as a medium to explore life's hardships and the beauty that ultimately overcomes those pitfalls, we see the power that mankind possesses.

Franklin Martin

Upon graduation from Hofstra, Franklin Martin went on to coach at Tennessee State University where he also earned his Masters' Degree.   Martin began pursuing writing and acting full-time in 2001.   As an actor he has appeared on-stage throughout New York City.   He has several film and television credits, including multiple episodes on the Law & Order series.

Growing up in the South, Martin and his family had a strong connection with New Orleans; that enduring connection led Martin to film his first documentary Hurricane Season: Walking on Dead Fish. When Hurricane Katrina struck in August of 2005, Martin was so moved that he went to New Orleans the following week and began a year-long shoot of the aftermath.  The film is narrated and executive-produced by Terry Bradshaw. 

Martin and Dutchmen Films are currently in post-production on his upcoming feature documentary LONG SHOT: The Kevin Laue Story, and is attached to write and direct Silent Artist: The Martin Ramirez Story.   Children Rise and Predator's Ball are also among Dutchmen Films projects in development.