John's formative years were spent in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, where he developed a strong foundation before venturing out into the world. After completing his secondary education at St. Thomas Academy, an all-boys, military, Catholic high school, John made the bold decision to relocate to Iowa City, where he would embark on a new academic journey at the University of Iowa. This marked a significant shift in his focus, as he transitioned from writing to the world of film.
Two years later, John took the next step in his educational path, migrating to Manhattan to pursue a degree at New York University's esteemed film program. Following his graduation from NYU, John made the move to Los Angeles, driven by his passion for filmmaking and a desire to turn his creative vision into a reality.
John's early success in the industry was marked by the release of his debut feature film, Full Moon Rising, which premiered in 1996, mere months after his college graduation. For his sophomore effort, The Dry Spell, John collaborated with his brother Drew, who served as producer, while John took on the roles of writer, director, and editor. Today, John and his brother continue to work together as The Brothers Dowdle, based in Los Angeles, where they have established themselves as a formidable creative force in the world of filmmaking.
