Phil's Camino

Due to the treatments for his Stage 4 cancer, Phil Volker can only dream of walking the 500 mile long spiritual pilgrimage known as Spain's Camino de Santiago. But when told that he only has months to live, Volker opts to not allow circumstances to define him and does the next best thing. He builds a Camino in the forest behind his house on Vashon Island, WA so that he can walk the 500 miles without ever leaving the continent. Eventually, his health improves, and he realizes what is most important in life.

The film captures Volker's personal story as he measures his daily steps. Through the ritualistic act of walking, he learns to embrace all the facets of healing -- physical, emotional, and spiritual. Viewing his cancer as a catalyst to a life of rich moments in the tension of suffering and gratitude, his remarkable journey illustrates one of hope, acceptance, and freedom -- providing food for thought for those facing a health crisis as well as those just living life.

Upon receiving a clean scan and being granted permission to miss one chemo treatment, Volker aims to use the following 28 days to go and walk the Camino de Santiago. Along the way he realizes his true pilgrimage is the one he travels within.

Preview link available upon request. Contact support@videoproject for more information

A Film by Annie O'Neil

56 minutes & 28 minutes

Scene Selection • Closed Captioned

Grades 8 - Adult

Item #: PCO-1128

Told he only has months to live, Phil Volker builds a Camino in the forest behind his house on Vashon Island, WA so that he can walk the 500 miles of his own Camino de Santiago.

Starting at $89

Licensing Options

K-12 Schools, Public Libraries, Community Groups - $89 K-12 DVD + Digital File - $139 Colleges, Businesses, Institutions: DVD - $350 Colleges (DVD with Digital Site License) - $450 Community Screenings: Please Complete 'Host a Screening' Form found on top menu bar K-12 School District pricing available. Please inquire at [email protected]

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Reviews and Festivals

"Original orchestral background music, infused with guitar, violin, and piano accompaniment, lends atmosphere to this inspiring and comforting film."

— Booklist

"A tale of triumph and perseverance, it captures the human spirit at its most raw, as it comes to grips with life, death and how to live each day to its fullest."

— Filmcritics.com

"If you are looking for something inspirational, check out this doc!"

— WTOP

"Uplifting, heart wrenching, a visual feast"

— Hill City News

"One of the most intimate portrayals that brings many faithful people to a better understanding of the divine"

— DISH Magazine

"The emotional journey the viewer takes by watching the short documentary has a powerful and influential faith in healing"

— LA Splash

"Anyone who has faced such a severe diagnosis can take many lessons from Phil's metamorphosis, first seeking a cure then healing himself by accepting the unstoppable result."

— JamesWeggReview

"One of the significantly inspirational films...A remarkable documentary created by director Annie O'Neil"

— Review-Mag

WINNER

Palm Springs International ShortFest, Audience Favorite

Flickers Rhode Island Film Festival, First Prize Humanitarian Award

Tacoma Film Festival, Audience Choice Short

La Costa Film Festival, Best Short Documentary

Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival, Best Short Documentary

SFDocs Film Festival, Audience Award

deadCenter Film Festival, Special Jury Short Film

Black Hills Film Festival, Best Short Documentary

WorldFest Houston Film Festival, Special Jury Award

Julien Dubuque Film Festival, People's Choice Award

OFFICIAL SELECTION

SXSW International Film Festival (World Premiere)

Nantucket Film Festival

Nashville Film Festival

Port Townsend Film Festival

STIFF

Myrtle Beach Film Festival

AFI FEST

Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival

Sarasota Film Festival

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