In a poignant and visually stunning documentary, filmmaker Brittany Shyne captures the plight of Black farmers in the American South over the course of seven years. “Seeds” is a powerful exploration of the beauty and hardships of working the land, as well as the profound impact of systemic discrimination on these resilient communities.
Through the black-and-white cinematography, Shyne’s film immerses the viewer in the rhythmic rituals of harvest. We witness the giant machines extracting cotton buds from open bolls, leaving behind a whirl of white fluff fluttering in the air. This choreography of farm work is imbued with a deep sense of poetry and political significance, as the painful legacy of slavery in the United States is ever-present.
Owning land is more than just an economic matter for these farmers; it represents autonomy of labour and the preservation of a cherished heritage, to be passed down to future generations. However, the hardworking farmers face an uphill battle, as systematic discrimination continues to hinder their financial security.
While their white neighbours have easy access to federal support, Black farmers are confronted with near-insurmountable red tape, resulting in much longer waiting times for funding. With the domino effect of rising operational costs and taxes, many have had their land taken away from them. One particularly poignant sequence follows 89-year-old Carlie Williams, who has farmed since his teens, as he struggles to negotiate the price of prescription glasses.
The documentary also highlights the fact that most of the subjects hail from older generations, implying that this line of work is no longer viable for younger people due to its precarious nature. Yet, the resilient community refuses to give up, as they march to Washington to protest against the inadequacies of the Biden administration.
Echoing the cycle of crop cultivation, Shyne’s film inhabits the seasons of life, bookended by images of a funeral and the open sky. This vanishing way of life is imbued with a dose of melancholy, yet hope still remains for a better harvest in the future. “Seeds” is a powerful testament to the struggles and resilience of Black farmers, a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.