The documentary, projected at Casa de Vacas, emulates the journey from Dublin to Santiago de Compostela of the pilgrims in the Middle Ages aboard a small traditional Irish boat.
A writer, two musicians, an artist, and a mason form an unusual crew that, aboard a ‘naomhóg’ —traditional boat from the West Kerry region— embarks on a dangerous journey of 2,500 kilometers, from Dublin to La Coruña, to emulate the Irish pilgrims who centuries ago undertook their particular Camino de Santiago by sea.
The award-winning documentary ‘The Camino Voyage’ (2018), which was screened on Wednesday the 11th at Casa de Vacas, as part of Ireland Week in Spain, recounts that Celtic odyssey starring Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard, traditional Irish musician Brendan Begley, artist Liam Holden, mason Brendan-Pháid Moriarty, and writer and poet Danny Sheehy aboard a small boat built by themselves.
The plan, originally conceived as a commemoration of the Hispano-Irish ties and a tribute to those pilgrims who did not hesitate to risk their lives for their faith, ends up becoming a journey of inner discovery for its protagonists. For three years, along the coasts of Ireland, Wales, England, France, and Spain, they reveal to the viewer the Celtic links that connect these shores while reflecting on their own lives, concerns, hopes, and fears.
The sea, its immensity and danger, place these modern pilgrims before the smallness of the human being in the face of the force of nature. There are difficult moments that are often overcome with nostalgic songs sung in unison by the crew and by the communities that welcome them enthusiastically in Pasajes, San Sebastián, or La Coruña. This same contact with local populations in France or Spain also serves to underscore a pan-European identity based on a common Celtic past.
The end of the documentary, after the pilgrims arrive at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to offer the ‘naomhóg’ to the Saint amidst the anticipation of the locals, points to the vital achievement of its protagonists, who consider extending the journey to Morocco. An objective they ultimately cannot fulfill after the passing of Danny Sheehy, the vital spirit of the group.
“Do they come like this from Ireland?” asks a surprised man when he sees them entering the port in San Sebastián. When they confirm that they do, he adds with admiration: “Mother of the Soul! They are true Celts.” Full of moving scenes, ’The Camino Voyage’ ultimately leaves a comforting and hopeful message about understanding between people and the human capacity to fulfill their dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem.
