Rent Camino Skies (2019)

Didn't appreciate this was a documentary - Camino Skies review by JS

The blurb doesn't explain that this is a documentary and the film doesn't explain how this disparate group was formed - was it a "tour" as the group seemed strangers to each other. No sign of any support vehicle/staff other than the film crew.

So, it didn't have the drama or impact of The Way but rolled along at a reasonably comfortable pace. Not every member of the group gets equal air time but we do glean some personal suffering but not why walking the Camino was thought helpful. Not even sure if there were any Catholics in the group.

Tremendous personal effort but ..............

Reservations about such documentaries - Camino Skies review by DF

The documentary follows a group of six persons undertaking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and attempts to show in a very personal way some of the reasons why anyone would undertake such an ordeal. The filming shows quite realistically the tough physical trial of the camino along with the personal anguish that members of this particular group were trying to come to grips with. Nevertheless, I do have reservations about such documentaries. This particular one appears to have no specific input from the directors other than to ‘listen in’ to the conversations between the group members some of whom are going through severe trauma due to grief. It seems to be a random group of strangers but I did learn from a youtube interview with the directors that that they were actually selected, in Australia and NZ, as likely ‘characters’ for the documentary project. I have a feeling that such documentaries will always have an impact on the participants and how the react and ‘act’ because of the presence of the camera and this gives rise to ethical questions and as to what are the responsibilities of the documentary producers with regard to unintended consequences later on. Were the directors completely ‘hands off’ in what was going on? Since the Hollywood-esque drama The Way, there has been a lot more interest in the Camino de Santiago resulting in quite a few documentaries. I walked the camino in 2013 and came across four separate camera crews at work along the way; in fact one camera crew were refused access to a pilgrim hostal (albergue) because they were filming some sort of TV personality on a self promotional stunt. To a viewer without any knowledge of the Camino, its history and what it is about, Camino Skies might seem strange; why on earth are these people slogging their way through mud for miles on end in a strange land whilst indulging in self conscious camaraderie and lots of hugging? To undertake the Camino de Santiago is undoubtedly a unique experience; pilgrimage is an ideal opportunity for self reflection and renewal and, indeed, friendship. Some may find the documentary ‘uplifting’, I did however find this one a bit of a slog and also feeling a little uncomfortable about this type of voyeuristic documentary production.

Camino Skies - Camino Skies review by JR

I chose this film as we had walked the Camino in 2017 as we love walking and it seemed a great way to see the country. The idea of following a group of strangers was a good one but the film did not really bring out their motives (although I nearly cried for one lady). Neither did it show much scenery, architecture or celebrate the customs or food / wine as you crossed the various regions. At times it was unrealistic with people walking in flip-flops and without back-backs and going to night-clubs. I presume these people were on an organised trip rather than doing the pilgrimage using the numerous hostels and sampling the Camino Menus. It was simply not clear and I would recommend 'The Way' as a more authentic film (with a little bit of American sentimentality). If you are considering walking the Camino then this film is not a good indication of what to expect. You will get blisters, encounter huge dorms with snoring, but will meet people from all over the World and find the regions of Spain very varied. Buen Camino!