'Dust to Malibu' to premiere at Route 66 event

"Dust to Malibu," a feature film shot largely in Springfield, is slated to premiere in May as part of the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration.

The movie is scheduled to debut May 3 at Moxie Cinema with a red-carpet entrance, according to a news release.

“I came back to my roots to film ‘Dust to Malibu,’ because I wanted to nostalgically put on film some of my memories of the beautiful places I grew up knowing,” said Shelly Gibson, the Springfield native and actor who brought the film to the city, in the release. “I was also confident, with the help of people like Beth Domann from Springfield Little Theatre and the Ozarks Film Foundry, that I could employ and showcase local talent and make a lovely, quality film. When you see ‘Dust to Malibu,’ you will see the cast and crew easily hold their own working alongside seasoned film industry professionals."

Gibson additionally pointed to Missouri tax incentives for filming in the state.

Springfield locations in "Dust to Malibu" include the College Street Cafe, the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven and Rockwood Motor Court, and product placements include Andy’s Frozen Custard and Askinosie Chocolate, according to the release.

According to past Springfield Business Journal reporting, "Dust to Malibu" is classified by the Screen Actors Guild as a moderate low budget film, which pegs its budget at $300,000-$700,000. Local investment from filming was approximately $160,000. 

The lead actors of the film are Tim Daly and Alex Sgambati.

An invitation-only sneak peek for "Dust to Malibu" was held Sept. 5, 2025 at The Landers Theatre, according to past reporting. 

The National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration additionally is scheduled to include an April 30 concert at Great Southern Bank Arena featuring Little Big Town, Chris Janson, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Gretchen Wilson, Ozark Mountain Daredevils and The Haygoods from Branson. Also on April 30, the “Today” show will broadcast its third hour from downtown Springfield with hosts Al Roker, Dylan Dryer and Craig Melvin, according to past reporting.