MOVIE REVIEW
And Still the Seed (Todavía la semilla)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 14m
Director(s): Llaima Suwani Sanfiorenzo
Where To Watch: TBA

RAVING REVIEW: Emerging from the rich ecosystems of Puerto Rico, AND STILL THE SEED is a film that marries the art of cinema with pressing environmental concerns, presenting a narrative steeped in the island’s rich ecological and cultural heritage. This short film graphs the journey of a forward-thinking conservationist in 2024, whose commitment to saving endangered tree species encapsulates both resilience and hope for the future.

The storytelling technique is notably unique. It utilizes the perspective of ancient trees to provide a historical context for Puerto Rico’s challenges. This method deepens viewers' emotional engagement and highlights the ongoing struggle between preservation and destruction. The narrative interweaves wisdom with the protagonist’s modern conservation efforts, creating a compelling contrast that drives the film’s central themes.

At the helm is director Llaima Suwani Sanfiorenzo, whose personal connection to nature and environmental conservation influences the film’s narrative. Raised in a family dedicated to ecological preservation, Sanfiorenzo’s upbringing brings authenticity and passion to the storyline, infusing the film with a palpable sense of purpose and inviting viewers to ponder its environmental impact.

Producing AND STILL THE SEED was no small feat, involving extensive collaboration with agronomy, history, and conservation experts over more than five months. The production phase traversed various challenging landscapes—from the dry heat of forests to the cool dampness of rainforests and the breezy shores of Puerto Rico’s beaches. These diverse settings added a layer of authenticity to the film, capturing the island's natural beauty and the environmental adversity it faces.

One of the film's standout features is its tone, carefully crafted to balance introspection with a call to action. Sanfiorenzo and her team fine-tuned the film’s voice during a ten-day retreat. The narrative speaks through nature, suggesting that seed planting can lead to significant ecological change. The film's narrative voice, embodied by a 600-year-old Guayacán tree and voiced by renowned artist Ile, effectively connects Puerto Rico’s cultural past with its present ecological challenges.

Though the film educates on environmental issues without preaching, it stutters in offering straightforward, actionable steps for viewers, leaving room for more direct engagement strategies in the narrative. Despite this, AND STILL THE SEED successfully uses its platform to advocate for change without overwhelming its audience with doom and gloom.

Looking forward, Sanfiorenzo's artistic journey continues to evolve. In her upcoming projects, she plans to delve deeper into environmental narratives. Her ongoing role as an Artist in Residence hints at future endeavors that will likely blend creative storytelling with scientific inquiry, aiming to inspire and educate global audiences.

From a technical standpoint, AND STILL THE SEED is a testament to high-quality filmmaking, with meticulous attention to cinematography, sound design, and editing. These elements enhance the viewer's experience, drawing them deeper into Puerto Rico's lush landscapes and complex ecological narratives.

AND STILL THE SEED catalyzes environmental awareness and action. It challenges each viewer to reflect on their role in shaping a sustainable future, making it a must-watch for anyone inspired by the power of nature and committed to its preservation.

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[photo courtesy of PARA LA NATURALEZA, ORGANIC CINEMA INC.]

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