A Challenging Legacy: "Seeds" Uncovers the Plight of Struggling Black Farmers in America's South
The American south is home to a storied history of agriculture and the struggles that come with it. In "Seeds," Brittany Shyne offers an unflinching look at the lives of Black farmers over seven years, capturing both the beauty and hardships of working the land. Shot in stunning black-and-white cinematography, the film conveys the intricate rituals of harvest, from giant machines plucking cotton to leaving behind a trail of white fluffs in the air.
However, beneath the surface of this idyllic landscape lies a painful legacy of systemic racism that hinders the financial security of Black farmers. Unlike their white counterparts, who have easy access to federal support, Black farmers face near-insurmountable barriers, resulting in lengthy waiting times for funding and, ultimately, losing their land to operational costs and taxes.
The documentary shines a light on the struggles faced by 89-year-old Carlie Williams, who has been farming since his teenage years. A poignant sequence shows him navigating the price of prescription glasses, highlighting the precariousness of this line of work, which is no longer viable for younger generations.
Despite the bleak outlook, "Seeds" offers a glimmer of hope. The documentary captures the resilience of the Black farming community as they fight back against inadequate support from the Biden administration. Through images of protests and marches in Washington, Shyne's film embodies the cyclical nature of agriculture and life, with the promise of renewal and better harvests yet to come.
As the film comes full circle, from the loss of land to the hope of a brighter future, "Seeds" serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the Black farming community. It is a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for growth and renewal – and that the cycle of life, though imperfect, can be one of beauty and rebirth.
The American south is home to a storied history of agriculture and the struggles that come with it. In "Seeds," Brittany Shyne offers an unflinching look at the lives of Black farmers over seven years, capturing both the beauty and hardships of working the land. Shot in stunning black-and-white cinematography, the film conveys the intricate rituals of harvest, from giant machines plucking cotton to leaving behind a trail of white fluffs in the air.
However, beneath the surface of this idyllic landscape lies a painful legacy of systemic racism that hinders the financial security of Black farmers. Unlike their white counterparts, who have easy access to federal support, Black farmers face near-insurmountable barriers, resulting in lengthy waiting times for funding and, ultimately, losing their land to operational costs and taxes.
The documentary shines a light on the struggles faced by 89-year-old Carlie Williams, who has been farming since his teenage years. A poignant sequence shows him navigating the price of prescription glasses, highlighting the precariousness of this line of work, which is no longer viable for younger generations.
Despite the bleak outlook, "Seeds" offers a glimmer of hope. The documentary captures the resilience of the Black farming community as they fight back against inadequate support from the Biden administration. Through images of protests and marches in Washington, Shyne's film embodies the cyclical nature of agriculture and life, with the promise of renewal and better harvests yet to come.
As the film comes full circle, from the loss of land to the hope of a brighter future, "Seeds" serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the Black farming community. It is a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for growth and renewal – and that the cycle of life, though imperfect, can be one of beauty and rebirth.
this docu is really somber on black farmers struggling in the South! Interesting how they're fighting back against the admin with protests & marches 
, it's like they're caught between two rocks and can't escape 
. the gov support is supposed to help but it feels like it's just too little too late 
. i wish we could do more to help these folks out 
, we need to start valuing their contributions to our food system more 
. it's not just about the farming itself, it's about the culture and history that comes with it 
. we gotta do better, fam 
. Like, why does it have to focus on Black farmers in America? Is it an attempt to stir up social tensions or distract us from the real issues? And that 'struggling farmers' narrative is just a cover for the real agenda – control of our food supply 
I'm so moved by this documentary it really puts into perspective the struggles Black farmers face in America's South 
it's heartbreaking. The film is so beautifully shot too, I love the cinematography 
what really got me though was the 89-year-old farmer Carlie Williams, he's a total hero 
his determination and resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. We need more films like this to raise awareness about these issues 
it's wild. and then there's this one farmer, Carlie Williams, who's been farming since he was a teenager, but now his family's farm is on the verge of being taken away from him due to taxes and operational costs 
. but at the same time, it's inspiring to see them keep going and fight for what's right 
️. gotta give props to carlie williams tho... 89 yrs old and still farming 
. his story is like, wow... a testament to resilience i guess 
.
. we need more support for these ppl who are working hard every day 
. anyone else seen this doc? what did u think? 
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"Seeds" just perpetuates the same old myth that Black farmers are struggling because of racism, when really it's just bad business decisions 
. I mean, if they couldn't make a go of it back in the day, why should we expect them to succeed now? And let's not forget, most Black farmers have always been absentee owners who rent land from whites – like that 89-year-old Carlie Williams dude was doing 
. It's time to stop playing the victim card and focus on actual solutions, like subsidies for modern farming practices that actually work 
I'm no expert, but I know one thing for sure - if I ever get my hands dirty with soil, I'll be the first to join Carlie Williams and his crew... after I invest in some prescription glasses, aka a new pair of shades 
. Seriously though, this doc is giving me hope - those farmers are fighting the good fight, and we need more people like them! 