Next up in Documentary Premieres is the feature documentary debut of a Sundance narrative alumnus: Sterlin Harjo’s THIS MAY BE THE LAST TIME, a personal exploration of memory, community, and song.
Sundance Program Description:
In 1962, filmmaker Sterlin Harjo’s grandfather disappeared mysteriously in Sasakwa, Oklahoma, and as the Seminole community searched for him, its members sang ancient songs of faith and hope. Harjo returns to the Sundance Film Festival for the fourth time with his first feature-length documentary, which explores the disappearance of his grandfather and the origins of these songs. Interviewing everyday people and the faith keepers of his tribe with his delicate touch and gentle inquiry, Harjo traces the creation of their songs, which commemorate a great time of upheaval from their homeland when United States policy dictated their relocation. Along the way, he learns that his tribe’s singing style is tied to traditions that originated in Scotland, Appalachia, and the experiences of enslaved African Americans.
Sculpted with an aching sense of beauty, THIS MAY BE THE LAST TIME reminds us that despite the hardships at hand, we can sing our way into the future and that forgiveness is essential if we want to move forward in life.
Some Background:
Harjo’s relationship with Sundance extends back to his first short, GOODNIGHT IRENE (2005). He premiered both of his previous dramatic features in Park City – FOUR SHEETS TO THE WIND (2007) and BARKING WATER (2009) – and has also served as a Short Film Competition Juror and as a Creative Advisor to the Native Filmmakers Lab. Executive Producers are Vincent LoVoi and Michael Mason, whose This Land TV series tells stories of contemporary Oklahoma, for which Harjo co-directs.
Why You Should Watch:
Expanding from the story of his grandfather’s disappearance, Harjo profiles others of the Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole people, who also feel a deep link to the past through traditional songs. The film is at once a fascinating retelling of a significant piece of family – and, just as importantly, community – history, and an ethnomusicological exploration of commonalities between seemingly unconnected peoples.
More Info:
Check out the film’s trailer. For more information, visit its website and Facebook page. As they become available, I’ll link to Harjo’s Meet the Artist Sundance video profile and to his Indiewire filmmaker interview. For screening dates and times at Sundance, click the link in the first paragraph.
To experience the festival through the eyes of this year’s filmmakers, follow my Sundance filmmaker class of 2014 Twitter list.
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