“Over the years I have seen several good films and documentaries on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. I have also had the privilege of walking a portion of the Camino on three different occasions over the past ten years. The new film, “Santiago: The Camino Within” is the best film on the Camino I have seen to date.”
— Bishop James Conley, Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska
“The Church teaches that the Christian life is a pilgrimage to our heavenly homeland. Christians have long turned to pilgrimages to holy places to detach themselves from their daily comforts and attachments for the sake of deepening their longing for heaven and making more room for God in their hearts. The film, The Camino Within, catches the spirit and the grandeur of one of the Church’s greatest and most ancient spiritual journeys, the Camino de Santiago. Documenting the route to the resting place of the Apostle St. James the Great at Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, this film presents the majestic scenery of Spain, the fascinating personalities and stories of the pilgrims, and the transformative power the Camino exercises on the human heart. The film has the calming effect of a monastic retreat while exciting within those who watch a longing to experience the Camino for themselves. This documentary is not just for those who wish to explore the Camino, it is for anyone in search of peace and spiritual refreshment.”
— Roger W. Nutt, S.T.L., S.T.D. Provost and Professor of Theology Ave Maria University
“This is 66 minutes of brilliance and beauty; from the opening sound of a howling wind to the first notes of the haunting guitar music bed, the viewer is grabbed by the hand and the heart to join those on pilgrimage and we find ourselves walking with them step-by-step. Everything about this film is spectacular. Erin and her Ahava team put to shame the rest of us in her field and this Camino journey may well be their best work yet. I have long desired to walk the Camino, and now I feel as if I have.”
— Bob Dolan, Principal: Dolan Productions
“The film is extraordinary! Your work is exceptional, but this exceeded my expectations. It is moving; it has a heart, spirit, and faith. It is visually stunning, and the music brings out all emotions that are present there. It is truly a masterpiece.
Thank you for allowing us to offer it to our viewers worldwide.”
— Gita Hosek Director of Programming and Production Salt & Light Media
“Santiago - THE CAMINO WITHIN’ is a wonderful program and it was a treat for the soul of Shalom World audiences. There are many people across the globe who are not aware of some of the major and important Christian pilgrimages across the countries and this is one such documentary that gives immense information detailing each aspect of the pilgrimage. The introductory narration about St James is short but at the same time, is wholesome and so impactful that it is His persona and martyrdom that you have in mind as you travel through the documentary.
As far as the spiritual aspect is concerned, it is very profound, informative and insightful. This highly spiritual and simply explained faith content would transcend borders and inspire many to go on a pilgrimage.
Thank you for all the efforts that you have put into creating such a fine documentary.”
— Sonia Thomas (Shalom World)
“Santiago: THE CAMINO WITHIN is a wonderful visual meditation which beautifully illustrates the mysterious truth that, as Bishop Donald Hying narrates so well, God has “placed a homing device in our hearts.” Contrary to the nihilism and penchant for absurdity so prevalent in our own day, Santiago powerfully and refreshingly demonstrates that human beings are “seekers,” each so different and yet each discovering—in the course of meeting other pilgrims—that the One whom their hearts long for is already walking in their midst. The brief, heartfelt testimonies of those walking the Camino moved my heart to hope.”
— Very Rev. Michael Berry, O.C.D. Provincial, Discalced Carmelite Friars, Immaculate Heart of Mary Province
“Santiago: The Camino Within is a beautiful film which artfully draws parallels between the journeys of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago and the journey of the spiritual life. Drawing on stories from the life and mission of St. James, the fruit of his ministry to Spain and the world, and the pilgrims who walk the Camino today, Santiago reveals many deep truths about discipleship, the nature of the Church, and the longing of the human heart for God. Bishop Donald Hying is a fantastic guide on this pilgrimage, not only showing the beauty of the journey of the Camino, but man’s search for God. ”
— “The FORMED Team” (Augustine Institute)
“One goes to movies to experience something, and for those who wish to have their hearts lifted by viewing an authentic experience will not be disappointed with “The Camino Within.” The movie is held together by the warm narration of Bishop Donald Hying and the gorgeous cinematography of the Spanish landscape. Loosely, the movie follows the good Bishop as he makes his trek to Santiago de Compostella, Spain, the final goal of the Medieval pilgrimage routes that started from various locations in France, Spain, and Portugal. This pilgrimage starts at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragosa, Spain. It was here that, standing on a Roman pillar, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. James the Apostle to encourage his evangelization efforts in the Iberian Peninsula. From this site we follow Bishop Hying as he encounters the people and sights of his 450 mile trek. There have been a number of movies about the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostella, what makes this movie stand apart is that it is more of a mediation on the personal journey that each one of us must take with our own lives, within our own hearts. It is a journey that will bring you closer God. ¡Buen Camino!”
— Rev. Eric H. Nielsen Pastor – St. Paul Parish Executive Director – St. Paul’s Catholic Student Center
