TOPEKA (KSNT) - A Wichita-based filmmaker is looking to showcase the magic and history of the iconic Flint Hills of Kansas with the release of a new film in 2025.
KSNT 27 News spoke with Nick Abt, a professional videographer and photographer, about his special project which is due to release sometime in the next six months. He said the film focuses on the native ecosystem of the Flint Hills and is meant to draw more people to the area to experience this iconic part of the state for themselves.
"Really the most important thing to me is that I needed to go out there and do it justice," Abt said. "The most enjoyable thing was just taking in the scenery and taking my time with the film."
Abt's film, "Mysteries of the Tallgrass", is being crafted through the use of drones to capture the scenery and wildlife found in the Flint Hills region. Abt, who originally hails from central Florida, has yet to do a project on this part of the state.
"Never done the Flint Hills before because I wanted to make sure I got it right," Abt said.
"Mysteries of the Tallgrass" will be around half-an-hour and will include a plethora of nature shots from different parts of the Flint Hills. It will also have interviews with locals, ranchers and a storm chaser.
"There's a ton of aerial nature shots," Abt said. "I feel that's some of the best ways to see it, go out and get that aerial view."
One location Abt felt especially connected to while making the film is the Clover Cliff Ranch in Chase County. Abt said he spent some time there enjoying the scenery and watching the nearby bison herds.
"It's [Clover Cliff Ranch] gonna be featured heavily in the film," Abt said. "It's an amazing bed and breakfast."
While Abt hasn't done a film yet on the Flint Hills, he has several other projects already available for people to view online such as "Kansas From Above" and "Ellis Trail To Nicodemus." He said his latest project will most resemble the work he did with "Kansas From Above" to help give people an idea of what "Mysteries of the Tallgrass" will look like.
Abt said his primary goal with this film is to encourage people both inside and outside of the state to visit the Flint Hills in person. He described his new film as a "love letter to the Flint Hills" and hopes to see tourism increase in the region.
"I truly feel like it [the Flint Hills] is the most iconic thing that Kansas has to offer the world," Abt said. "I just feel like that's what we have that's world-class."
You can find Abt's free film on his YouTube channel or on his website once it is published in 2025. You can follow along with Abt's work by following him on Instagram or on Facebook.
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