“Seeds”

As a person who grew up in a small, rural agricultural community in the South, director Brittany Shyne’s quietly powerful documentary “Seeds” hit close to home for me. The film’s portrayal of life on the land feels familiar and authentic, exploring the lives of Black generational farmers in the American South. Shyne offers a glimpse into a world that’s often overlooked, crafting a film that’s more of an observational piece rather than something that pushes a clear or strong point of view.

The documentary takes a cinema verité approach, following Black farmers through their daily lives without much narrative structure or commentary. It’s all about simply observing the rhythms of life, like the wind blowing through someone’s hair or a grandma handing out candy to the kids. While these moments are beautifully captured in stunning black-and-white cinematography, I found myself wishing for more direction or insight. The film expects you to find the deeper meaning on your own rather than giving it to you directly, which is admirable but also highly frustrating (especially considering the sedate pacing).

This slice-of-life look at the challenges faced in the farming community is compelling but understated. The documentary reveals the struggles of these farmers, especially when it comes to accessing funding that seems a lot easier for their white counterparts to get. It’s hard not to feel the weight of history in this story, especially when considering the sobering fact that Black farmers once owned 16 million acres of land in 1910, but own just a fraction of that today. The fragility of their legacy is front and center as these families work to keep their land with the hope of passing it down through future generations.

The real beauty of the film lies in its intimate portrayal of family and community. It highlights deeply rooted connections to the land not just as source of income, but as part of cultural identity and family legacy. Shyne’s filmmaking is poignant while giving space for personal stories to unfold, but it leaves a lot up to individual audience interpretation.

And that’s why “Seeds” might not be the most accessible or engaging for all viewers, especially those who prefer a more structured narrative. The documentary offers a meditative look at rural life, race, and the challenges of generational farming. It’s a striking film that’s a painfully slow burn, but one that leaves you thinking about the fragility of legacy and the importance of preserving history and culture.

By: Louisa Moore