REBEL SEED

With Rebel Seed, Sean Frank explores the secret signals that bring a people together. Easy to miss if you’re not looking but visible for those who seek solace. It is a look at the independence of solitary existence, an investigation of identity, belonging, and solidarity. Told through the eyes of a rebel, the film introduces a rebellious main character, Marlo, in quiet moments, an intimate observation of how they see the world—from the outskirts, living on the edge of town, outside the margins, outside the expectations of what being Black means. Marlo prefers to spend time chasing light and walking down empty railroads than to be in a room of people trying to force their unique identity into boxes and statistics.

Following symbols and signs on their journey, the main character recognizes a language they don’t yet understand, but learn to appreciate as it leads them to their tribe.

“Growing up, I didn’t instantly understand ‘the nod’ I’d receive from other Black folks passing in the street. A nod that friends from different backgrounds weren’t privy to. As a minority in a city with a small Black population, it became the ultimate signal of solidarity, the equivalent of a warm embrace. With one small gesture you can receive so much; an acknowledgement of existence, visibly being seen, a shared understanding of struggle, of endurance and perseverance. All delivered in a wordless exchange. A secret language, contained in a simple movement.” - Sean Frank

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