Keep the River on Your Right: A Modern Cannibal Tale (2001)
Keep the River on Your Right: A Modern Cannibal Tale is a captivating documentary that delves into the extraordinary life of Tobias Schneebaum, a remarkable individual who defied convention and embarked on an unforgettable journey. Let’s explore the intriguing narrative behind this film.
The Adventurous Anthropologist
In 1955, Tobias Schneebaum, a Manhattan painter and a Fulbright scholar, set out on an audacious expedition to the Amazon basin. His destination? The heart of the jungle, where he would immerse himself in the lives of the Harakambut, a native tribe. What transpired during those seven months would forever alter his perception of the world.
From Canvas to Cannibals
Upon returning to the United States, Schneebaum faced an unexpected transformation. The vibrant colors of his canvases faded, replaced by haunting memories of his time among the Harakambut. His artistic muse vanished, leaving him with a burning curiosity about the human condition. What had he witnessed? What had he become?
A Serendipitous Return
Nearly 45 years later, filmmakers sought out the now 78-year-old Tobias Schneebaum. Despite battling Parkinson’s disease, he agreed to revisit the past. But instead of returning to the Amazon, he chose a different path—New Guinea. There, he reunited with the Asmat tribe, with whom he had shared an idyllic existence years before.
The Scars of War and Fear
Schneebaum’s journey to Peru was not merely a nostalgic pilgrimage. He sought closure, answers, and redemption. In Peru, he embarked on a quest to find the very people he had once joined on a murderous raiding party. The scars of war remained etched in his memory, and fear still gripped his heart.
Connections and Reflections
The documentary captures Schneebaum’s encounters with the Asmat, the aging native Aipit, and the remnants of a violent past. It weaves together themes of identity, cultural immersion, and the human capacity for both brutality and tenderness. As we follow Schneebaum, we witness the complexities of his relationships and the profound impact of his choices.
Legacy and Legacy
Keep the River on Your Right takes its title from Schneebaum’s own book, published in 1969. The film draws from various sources, including his other writings. It paints a portrait of a man who transcended boundaries—geographical, emotional, and moral. Schneebaum’s legacy lies not only in his art but also in his willingness to confront the unknown, even if it meant living as a cannibal and tribesman.
A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
In a world where most of us sip our coffee in comfort, Schneebaum’s story reminds us that adventure awaits those who dare to step outside their comfort zones. Whether it’s the depths of the Amazon or the jungles of Peru, there are rivers to navigate, secrets to uncover, and truths to embrace.
Keep the River on Your Right invites us to ponder our own boundaries, our hidden desires, and the untamed wilderness within. It’s a modern cannibal tale that leaves us questioning what it truly means to be human.
