Rose State College’s Collaborative Documentary Earns Official Selection at Athens International Digital Film Festival Published December 18, 2024

Rose State College (RSC) celebrates a monumental achievement for its Film Studies and Digital Media (FSDM) and Business Information Technology (BIT) programs. The short documentary created through a collaborative internship program has been named an Official Selection at the prestigious Athens International Digital Film Festival, running December 12-18, 2024, in Athens, Greece.

This project began in the spring of 2023 when FSDM instructor John Marshall and BIT instructor Tony Sellars combined their expertise to form a production company. Their goal: to create a professional-grade documentary while providing hands-on experience for students. Professors Marshall and Sellars proposed the idea as an internship opportunity within the FSDM program, which took off in the summer of 2024.

Five students—Ethan Swartz, Enrique Hernandez-Pina, Isaiah Stephens, John Gibbs, and Carson Jorski—worked alongside the professors, gaining valuable experience in professional filmmaking. They mastered skills in running a documentary set, handling industry-standard film equipment, organizing talking-head interviews, and managing responsibilities in the camera, sound, and editing departments. The internship exemplified the importance of professional development in the cinematic arts and multimedia while showcasing the value of collaboration between academic divisions.

After months of effort, Professors Marshall and Sellars completed the final edit of the documentary and began submitting it to film festivals worldwide. The selection by the Athens International Digital Film Festival shows the high quality of work produced through this innovative partnership.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our students and faculty and highlights the importance of collaboration and experiential learning opportunities,” said Marcus Mallard, Rose State College professor and Program Coordinator of Film Studies and Digital Media. “It’s an incredible achievement for our programs and the college as a whole.”

The collaborative project demonstrates RSC’s commitment to preparing students for professional success through real-world experiences. The documentary’s recognition on an international stage reinforces the college’s standing as a leader in innovation and excellence in education.

Congratulations to Professors Marshall and Sellars and the five talented students who can now proudly claim credit for a documentary officially selected for an international film festival. Their achievement highlights collaboration's power and immersive learning opportunities' transformative impact.

For more information about RSC’s Film Studies and Digital Media or Business Information Technology programs, visit our website.