WHAT IS THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO?

The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of St. James, is an 800-kilometre pilgrimage route across the north of Spain. 

It begins at the French border and ends near the Atlantic Ocean at Santiago’s Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

Over the years, thousands have walked the Camino and it continues to draw walkers and pilgrims from around the world.

Most Camino pilgrims recognize at least two dimensions to their walk: the challenging external physical trek and the internal spiritual journey of self-reflection and discovery.

Many are looking for “something more” in their life. Walking alone or with other pilgrims, they often find a fresh perspective on what’s truly important to them.

The Camino also fosters community and friendship. On the path and over meals with a well-earned glass of beer or local wine, we let down our guard and talk to strangers. We develop a new sense of open-mindedness and kindness. Many of us create life-long friendships on the Camino.

Dan’s Camino in 2024 is approx. 315kms, starting in León, Spain.

WHAT IS THIS FILM ABOUT?

The film explores the Camino experiences of singer/songwriter Dan Mullins and why he is now undertaking his fourth walk of The Way of St James, this time from León to Santiago de Compostela.

During his second Camino his only objective was to carry his guitar and play for whomever asked. On that walk he wrote Somewhere Along The Way, a song that has become a Camino anthem. For Dan, the Camino and music are intrinsically linked.

Last year, the Camino gave Dan the determination and resolve to fight a potentially life-changing illness. A virus had taken away his voice, and Dan feared it would be permanent. Yet during a long recovery period, he stubbornly continued to write songs.

After a full recovery, he’s back on the Camino in 2024. Dan is presenting a unique musical experience where he plays to fellow pilgrims along the route. 

Dan will be performing in bars, churches, town squares, a medieval wine cellar, and under the stars. He’ll be telling stories that inspired the songs, and sharing interesting information about the Camino.

The film is also about the Camino’s stunning backdrop. Spain itself. It’s often over-looked that the Camino immerses you into nature – from vast lush forests to breathtaking arid mountains – of which the therapeutic spiritual value is immeasurable. We take a look at the slower-paced Spanish culture, where so much importance is attached to food, family, faith, and friendship.

WHAT IS THE FILM’S PURPOSE?

The film’s purpose is two-fold.

It will inspire viewers to take a leap of faith in themselves, and walk their own Camino. Go outside their comfort zone, examine their fears and explore their dreams.

The film also acts as a travel guide, a source of information for those thinking about walking a Camino for the first time, or learning new things for a return walk. 

Somewhere Along The Way will inspire, entertain, and inform.

FILMING CHALLENGES

For the 3-week duration of the trip, we’re walking an average of 22-23kms a day. And we carry everything we need in a backpack. Easy is you’re going just for the walk, and want to take nothing more than a change of clothes, some wet weather clothes (it rains long and hard in Galicia!), and maybe a phone or small point-and-shoot camera.

But to make a broadcast-quality film, this opens up a whole set of challenges. I’m making this film with the help of Andy Holloway. We’re both carrying our gear with us each day. We’re carrying our cameras, a couple of lenses each, media, batteries, tripods. Andy is also carrying a drone, and I’ll have my laptop in my pack, and a slider too.

Choosing the right gear for the job is requiring a huge amount of thought, as every ounce we carry matters!

KEEP UPDATED

This a huge undertaking, with lots of challenges, expenses, logistics and creative decisions to make it happen.

I’m posting regular updates on this website for those interested in following along from the film-making aspect of the project, or enjoy anything Camino-related. CLICK HERE to go to the journal page.

GET INVOLVED, BECOME A SUPPORTER OR SPONSOR

If you’d like to help financially support the project, and receive regular updates, you can visit our GoFundMe page HERE for details.

If you’re a brand, tourism organization, or business looking for a great sponsorship opportunity, do get in touch.

A few photos and a little GoPro footage from my 800km+ Camino Frances in April / May 2022.

Read more about my first Camino HERE