This May Be the Last Time

This May Be the Last Time is a compelling 2014 documentary directed by Sterlin Harjo. The humanistic portrayal of Native American culture and tradition interwoven with a personal narrative creates an emotional journey filled with reverence, tragedy, and discovery. The documentary stars a set of real-life characters Jeff S. Anderson, Jimmy Anderson, and Hugh W. Foley Jr., who together enable a deep exploration of the traditional music and deeply-rooted oral history of native communities.

Harjo’s film is primarily ignited by his mission to understand the mysterious disappearance of his grandfather, who was a Seminole pastor, in 1962. According to the family history, it was during the search of his grandfather that the community sang traditional Muscogee Creek hymns for strength and comfort – a practice passed down over generations. This personal quest to uncover the truth about his grandfather’s vanishing forms the spine of the narrative, around which the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of these hymns is explored.

The documentary pulls audiences into this intimately emotional terrain, introducing real-life tribal characters intimately connected to the elements of Native American spirituality, resilience, and history. Jeff S. Anderson and Jimmy Anderson play significant roles in tethering viewers to the essence of this narrative through their compelling representations of the native community. Their performances serve more than just recreating history; their display of dignity, pride, and complex emotions rooted in cultural practices expresses an authentic perspective of Native American life.

On the other hand, Hugh W. Foley Jr. provides the majority of historical and contextual information, elucidating the origins and evolution of the native hymns. Foley Jr., a Cultural Historian, offers meaningful insights into how these songs became deeply rooted in Native American culture and history, highlighting their role in events like the Trail of Tears and their contribution to various genres of American music.

Interwoven with personal anecdotes and experiences, Harjo’s film brilliantly brings to life the tangible connection between music and resilience in Native American culture. The heart-wrenching, emotional connections to the hymns are palpable, eliciting powerful emotions among viewers. The coverage of communal gatherings, singing, and observances of age-old rituals and practices immerse the viewer in the film's cultural richness and authenticity.

This May Be the Last Time unfolds at a personal and communal level, linking Harjo’s family history with a broader and more profound narrative of history and survival. The soundtrack plays an integral role throughout, featuring the traditional hymns beautifully sung and recorded. These hymns are not just used as sound effects or background music, but as central storytelling elements that underline the film’s emotional core and add layers of meaning to the story.

The film is presented in a seamless manner, balancing every subplot with the main storyline. Intriguing exploration of the origins and influence of the hymns, contemplative pauses, and heart-tugging personal anecdotes keep the audience hooked and moved throughout. Stunning cinematography intensifies the depth and soul of the narrative, capturing the scenic beauty of native landscapes and the raw, stunningly candid shots of the tribe members.

The personal, family-centered lens of Harjo’s storytelling brings to the foreground a lesser-known facet of American Indigenous history, making it an essential piece of cinema for history keepers, music enthusiasts, and those seeking to understand the roots of Native American tribes, their traditions, and their connections to hallmark moments in American history.

As much as it is an emotional exploration of a personal family tragedy, This May Be the Last Time is also a celebration of heritage, resilience, and the power of tradition to sustain communities through even the toughest battles. Harjo has indeed crafted a potent and poignant tribute to his grandfather, his Seminole history, and the time-honored hymns that have echoed through generations, withstanding the test of time. The raw humanity in the film, coupled with the exploration of the hymns as a symbol of resilience, spirituality, and a key connector of generations, offers a profound cinematic journey. It indeed stands as a reminder to all viewers that music is not solely an art form but a vigorous life form, spiritually and historically enriched.