The latest cinematic work by documentarian Dave Kendall transported viewers to an oasis in the Flint Hills known as Greenwood County.
Oasis on the Prairie, a documentary telling the story of ranchers in Greenwood County, was initiated by conversations with the Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Association to commemorate its centennial celebration, according to Kendall, who spoke with KVOE News ahead of the film’s debut screening inside the Emporia Granada Theatre Sunday afternoon.
In addition to commemorating the agency’s 100th anniversary, Kendall says he hopes the film, which profiles the stories of ranches and small business owners in Greenwood, illustrates the hardships that ranchers face on a daily basis.
He also hopes it provides perspective as to how significant of an impact local ranchers have not only in the immediate area, but across the nation as well.
Kendall became a full-time documentarian roughly a decade ago, but has an extensive storytelling background which goes back more than four decades, including serving as the host of Sunflower Journeys on Topeka PBS affiliate KTWU for nearly 30 years. Oasis on the Prairie is Kendall’s fifth documentary, all of which focus heavily on Kansas history and culture.
His other works include Hot Times in the Heartland, focusing on climate change, Prairie Women, the Road to Santa Fe and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: A Flint Hills Love Story.
