Four Newman University community members celebrated a milestone in their film careers with the release of “Sod & Stubble,” now available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.
The movie features Professor and Director of Theatre Mark Mannette, his sons Aidan ‘21 and current Newman Master of Business Administration student Ben and alumna Allison Tollefson ‘22.
About “Sod & Stubble”
“Sod & Stubble” is a story that captures the resilience of Kansas homesteaders. It is based on the memoir by Kansas author John Ise and was filmed entirely in the Sunflower State. Scenes were captured in Osborne County, Wichita’s Old Cowtown Museum and the Kansas Oil Museum in El Dorado.
Mark portrayed John Ise, the memoir’s author. Tollefson played Doll Ise, Aidan portrayed a younger version of John and Ben took on the role of John’s older brother, Dan.
In the film, Mark’s character Ise is a real-life University of Kansas professor who provides the narrative frame for the story.
“The film opens with a lecture. I then basically provide the frame story with Dodie Brown (the female lead). All my scenes are with her after my character leaves campus,” he explained. “I enjoyed working with her. She was a great scene partner. Aidan played a younger version of me as a teenager and 20-something.”
Producing the Kansas film
Mark also played another important role in the film — as a producer.
“The director, Ken Spurgeon, asked me to be the producer and first assistant director on a previous project called ‘Contested Plains,’” Mark said. “He invited me to be a part of this new project as well.”
Behind the scenes, Mark helped manage key production elements. He helped coordinate shots, directed background talent and supported the director’s vision on set.
“As a producer, I was involved in casting, overseeing the talent on set, setting call times, making sure they went through hair, makeup and wardrobe, and getting their microphones on so they could be on set at the right time,” he said. “Sometimes I had to make sure they were transported and had breaks.”
The experience was even more meaningful alongside family members and a former student who took part in many Newman University plays and musicals.
“I saw quite a bit of them on set on a daily basis and that was fun,” Mark said. “Aidan, Ben and Allison all had scenes together.”
Shown throughout the country
“Sod & Stubble” has hit theaters across 20 states since its premiere at Wichita’s Orpheum Theatre on March 28. Mark recently attended a special showing of the movie in Texas on July 31.
“Texas was fun,” he said. “I got to spend time with Barry Corbin, Dodie Brown, Mary McDonough, Delno Ebie and RW Hampton. We had a meet and greet before and after the film.”
Reflecting on the importance of the film, Mark said, “This is Kansas history — not of politicians or war heroes, but of the everyday person who had to overcome struggles to raise a family on the harsh plains of the 19th century. For people in this state, these are their ancestors experiencing real struggles and triumphs.”
Viewers can support the film by renting or purchasing “Sod & Stubble” on Amazon Prime Video. Readers can view the IMDb page for information on actors, reviews and more.
