Emerging filmmaker Brittany Shyne's debut documentary, Seeds, presents a powerful narrative. Shyne investigates the lives of Black generational farmers in the American South, a region known for its cultural richness and historical difficulties.
Through artistic visuals and narrative elements, the film shows how legacy combines fragility with the enduring strength needed to create itself. The documentary shows that land ownership is the foundation for economic security and connects people with their ancestral roots and community identity.
Once upon a time, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman issued Special Field Order No. 15, which promised land to certain freed families—each receiving up to 40 acres—Black Americans have aspired to the idea of "40 acres and a mule." Regrettably, this promise was not fulfilled in the long term. Lacking property, financial resources, and educational opportunities, most freed individuals faced significant challenges in achieving economic independence.
"Seeds" explores this and paints a picture of why there is such a gap. The director opens the film with a funeral, and it's harrowing to feel that even with hard work, some of us will never reach the American Dream.
In 1910, Black farmers possessed 16 million acres, but their land ownership today has dropped to only a tiny portion of that amount. The farmers showcased in "Seeds" face difficulties obtaining funding while their white counterparts get money without any trouble.
Systemic racism causes government funding for Black farmers to fall well below the levels received by white farmers. The Biden administration passed a 2021 pandemic relief bill meant to benefit businesses but has not reached several Black farm operations. White farmers got stimulus money to buy seeds and equipment for rebuilding, but Black farmers faced a delay of 18 months.
The situation becomes more complex because banks and USDA Farm Service agencies consistently turn down their loan applications. Farmers must depend on the Department of Agriculture, which initially delayed the processes that forced them to apply for loans. The situation becomes worse because banks will seize the land when black farmers default on their loans.
Despite these hardships, "Seeds" takes the angle of always trying to find the silver lining and getting the job done by any means necessary. Samuel Fuller once said, "Life is in color, but black and white is more realistic." Thus, the B&W aesthetic in the film and cinematography by Shyne validate this quote.
Shyne filmed "Seeds" over nine years, and her hard work paid off, as she was awarded the U.S. documentary prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival. With a two-hour run time, "Seeds" won't be for everyone. However, when the credits rolled, a quote from Malcolm X came to mind: "Revolution is based on land. Land is the basis of all independence. Land is the basis of freedom, justice, and equality."
Final Grade: A
"Seeds" is currently seeking distribution.
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