Let Each One Go Where He May is a cinematic experience as much as it is a cultural and historical journey. Released in 2009 and directed by Ben Russell, the movie stars a non-professional cast with the main players being Monie Pansa, Benjen Pansa, and Erwin Akobe. Much like its title, this film beautifully embodies the spirit of individual freedom, naturalism, and the exploration of cultural origins.

This film is a remarkable dive into the lives, traditions, and struggles of the Surinamese descendants of runaway slaves known as the Saramaccans. The narrative forges a thought-provoking affirmation of people and their connections with their heritage, as well their pursuit of economic and social freedom. This non-linear story seeks to transcend conventional cinema by blurring the lines between documentary, ethnographic study, and experimental narrative techniques.

The film follows the path of two Surinamese brothers, Monie and Benjen Pansa as they embark on a journey retracing the path of their ancestors who escaped from slavery and fled to the richly biodiverse tropical rainforests of Suriname. The brothers' journey echoes the evocative and symbolic route, which bears the heavy weight of history and age-old traditions.

Russell's film uses an observational style without integrating conventional narrative structures, thereby enabling the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the brothers' narrative, the ongoing socioeconomic challenges they face, and their connection to a far-removed but influential history. The movie draws a vivid and real portrait of the rural animist society of Saramaccans living in the region, their role in upholding the integrity of the ecosystem, and their ongoing struggle to reconcile tradition with the gradual influx of modernity.

Spanning across the beautifully varied Surinamese landscapes, the brothers' journey is not simply a pilgrimage into their cultural roots but also an exploration of the collective ancestral memory and life in contemporary Saramaccan society. Erwin Akobe portrays an intriguing character as well, adding depth to the film's exploration of human resilience, tenacity, and harmony with the environment.

The cinematography of Let Each One Go Where He May requires special mention for its ability to visually portray the warmth of Surinamese hospitality and vibrant culture while capturing the verdant highlands and unyielding rivers with a raw authenticity. Shot in thirteen lengthy takes using a Super 16mm, the film allows us to accompany the brothers in real-time as they navigate untouched landscapes, intimidating water bodies, and bustling cityscapes.

The director also makes effective use of ambient sounds of the wild, local folk tunes, and regional dialects to enhance the viewers' sensory experience and provide an unfiltered portrayal of the brothers' reality and experiences. Each frame of the film is a raw, untamed representation of an environment that exists vigorously outside the realms of modernity. The absence of a formulated script allows the viewers a sneak peek into reality, almost akin to a fly-on-the-wall experience, which is refreshing and contemplative.

Russell fosters a deep connection with the characters, allowing them to express their histories, stories, and personalities freely. Through this, he explores the nuances of a unique Afro-American culture, the aftermath of colonial slavery in South America, and the resilience of the human spirit in an ever-evolving world.

Let Each One Go Where He May offers a different experience compared to usual cinematic encounters. It could be described as a visual journey that might not fit into everyone's conventional idea of a movie but will surely appease those seeking to sample a slice of life far removed from their own. While its pace might be unhurried, the film's engaging narrative, stunning cinematography, and immersive soundtrack provide insights into the richness and diversity of experiences that lie far off the beaten path of commercial cinema.

This film is more than just a movie; it is a socio-cultural exploration that bridges the gap between anthropological study and art-house cinema. Raw, authentic, immersive, and aesthetically distinctive - Let Each One Go Where He May is a subtly impactful movie with numerous layers awaiting discovery. It merits attention for its meticulous portrayal of a distinctive culture as well as its inspiring exploration of human spirit and resilience, making it well worth a watch.