Strangers on the Earth

Strangers on the Earth Release Date: May 4, 2018

With a title taken from the New Testament, Strangers on the Earth follows the extraordinary, almost foolishly ambitious mission of Cleveland Orchestra cellist Dane Johansen to traverse the storied paths of Europe’s famed pilgrimage trail, the Camino de Santiago. Johansen’s singular quest to walk the 600-mile trail carrying his cello on his back sets him apart from most other pilgrims. His goal: to perform and record Bach’s Cello Suites in 36 ancient churches along the way.

As has likely occurred on every Camino pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, Johansen encounters a diverse array of characters: lovers whose entire relationship plays out in a matter of a few weeks; self-styled philosophers; wounded souls recovering from illness or mourning the loss of loved ones. All share the trials and tribulations of the journey along with their personal stories over goat-skins of wine. The musician, who foresaw the walk primarily as a recording project, is surprised by the demands that greet him daily as he arrives exhausted at each church only to find it filled with an expectant audience. The recordings of his performances of the Cello Suites provide the film’s contemplative soundtrack.

An experiential piece of filmmaking, Strangers on the Earth brings to audiences a musical artist’s personal journey set against a universal backdrop. The film reveals the shared experience of the pilgrims who walk the Camino, finding common patterns in both the multitude of bodies who move westward on the path each year (the physical) and the inner life of these same individuals who are often surrounded by other pilgrims – but are very much alone.

Strangers on the Earth movie poster

Check out photos from Strangers on the Earth:

Strangers on the Earth still

Strangers on the Earth still

Strangers on the Earth Trailer

Directed By: Tristan Cook
Runtime: 97 minutes
Studio: First Run Features
MPAA Rating Unrated

Strangers on the Earth Posters and Photos

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  • Strangers on the Earth still
  • Strangers on the Earth poster