The Last Shaman

The Last Shaman is a riveting feature documentary directed by Raz Degan, which was released in 2016. The exciting movie stars the venerable Ayahuasca shaman Guillermo Arevalo and young Englishman James Freeman as its principal figures. The film skilfully addresses its viewers with an intimate and emotional rollercoaster through the depths of the Amazon rainforest and the human psyche. It presents a comprehensive exploration of spirituality, mental health, and the tenuous interconnections between humans and nature, while delving into the secrets of ancient shamanic practices.

The Last Shaman predominantly revolves around the poignant journey of its protagonist, James Freeman. Freeman, grappling with the claws of severe depression, is driven on a desperate last-ditch mission to find meaning in his damaged existence. His search for peace, understanding, and liberation from the clutches of his turmoil lie not within the bounds of modern medicine but in the sprawling majesty of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, amongst elusive tribes and their mysterious healing ceremonies.

Freeman, having exhausted all options in the conventional western medical sphere, finds himself on the verge of ending his life. Borne on this crisis, he embarks on a journey to the Amazon. His objective is Aldolfo, an esteemed Shipibo shaman, and the hope of being cured by a powerful hallucinogenic plant brew, Ayahuasca, which has been integral to the tribal communities of the Amazon for centuries. The indigenous communities believe the brew catalyzes a spiritual awakening, providing insight and healing to the imbiber, providing the crux of the documentary's appeal.

Essential to this narrative is Guillermo Arevalo, a Shipibo spiritual healer. Arevalo guides Freeman through multiple Ayahuasca ceremonies, immersing him in an entirely new reality that tests his mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience to its limits. The healing process, however, isn't without its challenges, as Freeman confronts his deepest fears and traumas, reconsidering his perspectives on life, death, and his place in the wider universe.

Reminiscent of a visual diary, The Last Shaman is punctuated with deeply personal moments. It acts as a window into the protagonist's internal landscape, his vulnerability, and his struggles with his darkness. Furthermore, the movie provides a panoramic view of the Amazon, the river communities, and the cultural ethos, presenting their ancient traditions and the grave present-day challenges threatening their existence.

Director Raz Degan brilliantly transports the audience into the heart of the Amazon, combining captivating visuals with an emotive narrative. The cinematography encapsulates the mesmerizing vistas of the rainforest, the brown waters of the Amazon River, the isolation of the jungle, and the juxtaposition of its danger and tranquility. The director employs unique elements that invite viewers into the intriguing world of shamanism, offering insights into a different consciousness and a potential path to self-discovery.

The Last Shaman conveys a critical message about the contemporary world's alienation from nature, spirituality, and our internal selves. It examines the clash between ancient healing traditions and modern medicine, raising thoughtful questions about mental health treatment. Simultaneously, it stresses the unbridled commercialization of sacred tribal traditions, hinting at cultural appropriation and the potential loss of invaluable ancient wisdom.

However, at its core, The Last Shaman is a testament to the human spirit's unyielding resilience and its struggle for survival and self-discovery. It presents a courageous attempt to find answers in the deepest realms of human consciousness, firmly grounded in the hope that even in the darkest corners of the mind, there is a glimmer of light.

Overall, The Last Shaman is a cinematic adventure, a thought-provoking exploration of spiritual pursuits and personal transformation. With its blending of enchanting scenery and a stirring tale of self-discovery, the film extends an invitation to its audience to question, learn, empathize, and provoke introspection about our place in the cosmos. However, one must interpret Freeman's story individually, understanding that healing is a personal journey and that what worked for him may not apply universally. Amid this note of caution, The Last Shaman remains a compelling watch for those interested in spiritual voyages, herbal medicine and traditional healing practices, and debates around mental health.