Photo credit: Alex Dugan
Rose State College Film Studies and Digital Media graduate John Gibbs earned the Best Student University award at the Great Plains Film Festival for his capstone film, “After Dark.”
The horror-thriller marked Gibbs’ directorial debut and stars Gibbs, Dava Coe and Jason Miller. The film follows a woman whose evening at a park takes a suspenseful turn.
“Making After Dark was one of the most rewarding experiences I had at Rose State,” Gibbs said. “It was my capstone film and my first time writing, directing, and producing my own film, so winning Best Student University at the Great Plains Film Festival means a lot to me. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who helped bring the film to life, and I’m grateful to Rose State and my professors for giving me the knowledge, support, and confidence to take that next step as a filmmaker. Seeing something we made as students recognized at a film festival is something I’ll never forget.”
The Holba’ Pisachi’ Native Film Festival at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma, also selected “After Dark” for its festival lineup.
Gibbs is no stranger to the film industry and has several acting credits to his name, including Into the West, Terminator Salvation, Longmire, Salem, The Ridiculous 6, Hostiles, Wild Indian, Reservation Dogs, Fancy Dance and Killers of the Flower Moon.
In addition to acting and directing, Gibbs participates in panels, sharing his experiences and knowledge as an Indigenous filmmaker and actor.
Visit Rose State College’s Film Studies and Digital Media program to learn more.