- Directed and Produced by: Lydia B. Smith
Released: 2013
Running Time: 84 min
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, Polish, Japanese, Korean
Educational DVD Special Features: Interview with Director/ Producer Lydia B. Smith, History Selects, and 8 Hospitalero Portraits
An up-close look at the ancient spiritual pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James. Since the ninth century, millions have embarked on this pilgrimage across northern Spain. This 500 mile journey leads each pilgrim to Santiago and most importantly, to their true selves. Following the journeys of six modern-day pilgrims as they cope with blisters, exhaustion, and loneliness, WALKING THE CAMINO explores this physically challenging, spiritually nourishing, and profoundly enlightening journey. While each of the six pilgrims walks the Camino for different reasons and with varied backgrounds, they each experience personal triumphs over their own doubts and fears. There is no single way to live life, nor is there a single way to walk the Camino. WALKING THE CAMINO not only illustrates the importance of following our own path in life, it encourages and inspires us to do so wholeheartedly.
Awards:
WALKING THE CAMINO won an award, sold out, or both at every film festival it entered into in 2013!
- Prescott Film Festival - 2014- Audience Choice Award Best Documentary
- American Documentary FF- 2013 Winner
- Rainier Independed Film Festival - 2013 Winner
- Festival Camino de Santiago- 2013 Winner
- Mt Hood Independent FIlm Festival- 2013 Winner
- Newport Beach Film Festival- 2013 WInner
- Hollywood FIlm Festival - 2013 Winner
- Heartland Film Festival - 2013 Winner
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Ft Lauderdale Film Festival - Winner 2013
Reviews/ Testimonials:
VIDEO LIBRARIAN REVIEW (3 1/2 stars out of 4): "Filmmaker Lydia Smith here follows people—who combine aspects of religious pilgrim, backpack-adventurer, and extreme hiker—on the famous Camino Frances, an ancient, 500-mile trail through holy sites. It begins in France (at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port) and continues through northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela, a route set down by medieval Catholic custom as the way to the tomb of St. James. In the distant past, convicted criminals, as well as the general run of sinners and seekers of miracle cures, could find redemption by completing this grueling, sacred walk (with an optional bonus to continue to the sea). While the pilgrimage persists in modern times—and Catholic clergy and the Mass make appearances along the way—the tone of Walking the Camino is more non-denominational spiritual-questing than orthodox. An international set of walkers profiled include a Canadian widower, grieving for his wife; a young French Catholic mother trying to share an experience with her fun-loving brother that doesn't result in arguments; a Danish girl, who is not very pious but is still shaken by her mother's recent illness; and a Brazilian woman fleeing a bad relationship, and possibly finding new love (although we're told that romance on the Camino is a rare distraction). A fine documentary that also ties in with the Martin Sheen-Emilio Estevez Camino-set drama The Way (Sheen is acknowledged in the end titles), this is highly recommended." Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)
EDUCATION MEDIA REVIEW ONLINE (highly recommended!) A winning choice for public, academic or church libraries, Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago will enhance classroom study of Western history, culture and religion, delight armchair travelers, and encourage thoughtful viewers to ponder life’s deepest questions. - Reviewed by Barbara J. Walker, Longmont Public Library, Longmont, CO
"This film should carry a warning: watch it and it might stir something awake in you and start you on the journey of your life."
- John Brierlyy, author of best-selling Camino de Santiago guidebooks Camino Guides
"WALKING THE CAMINO will nourish your mind, body and soul, and inspire you to embark on your own pilgrimage at some point in your life." – Avi Offer, NYC Movie Guru
"You will be inspired to visit Spain and walk the Camino de Santiago after seeing this film. Or, as the director intended, you will be inspired to find your own 'Camino'.
– Newport beach Independent
"For thousands of pilgrims who make the journey along the Camino de Santiago the... new documentary on the trail tells the true tale." – Antonia Blumberg, The Huffington Post
It is a mark of the film's emotional veracity that we find ourselves rejoicing with all the pilgrims as they arrive in Santiago.
-Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice