Sundance 2025 Review: Seeds

Black generational farmers attempt to maintain the family business and look out for one another in the American South.

A black and white close-up of a grandmother and granddaughter in the tight confines of car on the way to a funeral opens the proceedings and sets the tone as the viewer is immediately placed in the middle of the daily routines of various farmers. The responsibilities range from looking after grandchildren after school, selling produce, responding to medical emergencies, and attending funerals.

There is no narration, however, the participants do not hesitate to talk directly to the camera such as explaining the spiritual connection and physical resemblance between a granddaughter and her great-grandmother. This is not distracting but rather makes the viewer feel like a welcomed guest into the lives of the farming community. A number of shots take place inside of cars with the camera treated simply as a passenger. No archival footage is relied upon to connect the present day with the past. Instead, the generational connection is achieved through the interaction of family members and the decision to use black and white photography which in itself has a nostalgic quality.

One complaint is that the runtime is as lackadaisical as an American South summer and could be tightened by cutting a quarter of the footage. A nice touch is the lens flares that are enhanced by the high contrast of the black and white photography as well as reflections. It is commendable to both the filmmakers and the farming community that so much of their personal lives could be documented and allows the viewer to get a true idea of what life is like for the present-day farmer. The skill with the camera is reflected in the fact that Brittany Shyne is a respected cinematographer which is put to good use in her directorial debut.

The 2025 Sundance Film Festival takes place January 23 to February 2, 2025, in person and online, and for more information visit sundance.org.

Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada; he can be found at LinkedIn.