Brittany Shyne constructs an empathetic portrait of Black agrarian life while also revealing threats to its survival in her Sundance-premiering directorial debut.
A close friend, reflecting on her own photography practice, recently told me that she still had so much to say in black and white. I thought of her sentiment while watching’s delicate meditation on Black farmers in the United States. The film uses black and white palette to gorgeous effect, finding precise language in moody shades and dramatic contrasts.observes two Black farmers in the contemporary American South.
Williams’ family farm in Georgia, for example, is one of the oldest centennial farms in the U.S, a designation given to tracts of land that have been owned by the same households for more than 100 years. The aging tiller takes pride in that fact as well as his work. In one scene, while selling his pecan harvest in town, Williams tells a young store employee that he’s been a farmer since he was 18. It’s heartbreaking, then, that after laboring for 70 years, he can barely afford to buy new glasses a doctor prescribes after his cataract surgery.
Williams’ precarious financial situation reinforces the importance of Head’s advocacy. When we see the younger farmer frequently calling USDA officials for updates on promised subsidies or journeying to Washington D.C. to protest in front of the Capitol, we have a clear understanding of its necessity. These narratives — with their complementary arcs — also deepen our investment as viewers. . “That’s who feeds the people.
Head is especially preoccupied with making sure his great-grandchildren understand the importance of this land. He encourages them to run around, to feel the grass, to connect to the Earth under their feet. In the early 20th century, Black farmers owned 16 millions acres of land; today that number has shrunk to roughly a million.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Last Showgirl Review: A Quietly Devastating Performance by AndersonGia Coppola's 'The Last Showgirl' is a poignant look at the fading dreams of a Las Vegas showgirl. Anderson delivers a stellar performance as Shelly Gardner, a woman clinging to a past that is quickly disappearing.
Read more »
GoPro Hero13 Black Review: Capture Cinematic AdventuresThe GoPro Hero13 Black is a powerful action camera with impressive features and capabilities. This review highlights its key upgrades, user-friendly interface, and versatility for capturing stunning footage in various extreme scenarios.
Read more »
Dough Spectrum Black 32 Review: A Promising OLED with Room to GrowThe Dough Spectrum Black 32, Dough's second OLED display, shows promise with its customization options and third-gen WOLED panel. However, it still needs refinement to compete with the best OLED monitors on the market.
Read more »
2024: The Year In Review in Black TheaterBlack theater in 2024 was absolutely breathtaking!
Read more »
Clinique's Black Honey Collection Review: A Decade-Long Obsession TestedThis article reviews Clinique's Black Honey makeup collection, popular for its universally flattering berry tint. The author tests and provides honest opinions on each product, from the classic Almost Lipstick to the newest additions like blush, eyeliner, mascara, and eyeshadow palette.
Read more »
Daniel Kaluuya, From Black Mirror to Black PantherThis article explores the connection between the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the British science fiction series Black Mirror, highlighting the shared appearances of several notable actors. It focuses on Daniel Kaluuya's roles in both franchises, showcasing his acclaimed performances in both 'Black Mirror's' 'Fifteen Million Merits' and 'Black Panther'.
Read more »