Looking Back - The Way

Annie with Martin Sheen during filming of The Way

Looking back with fondness today at my 2012 Camino 

when Joe and I were hired as extras for the movie

The Way

with Martin Sheen and Emelio Estevez.

Joe was standing in line to get his Compostela

when an announcement was made

that a movie company was shooting a movie

and looking for extras.

They wanted pilgrims who had completed the Camino.

The weather was cold and windy

and we had a few days to spare,

so we showed up in the Cathedral Square 

next morning and signed up!

We were given a contract to sign

which promised to pay us €2, 

a paycheck we never received.

But what the heck!

It was a wonderful experience,

well-worth doing for free!

They did, in fact, feed us…

BOCADILLOS!

We were in the shot where the three peregrinos

are walking up to the Cathedral.

We were in a group of 3 pilgrims,

and the shot was filmed several times.

We were also in the shots inside the Cathedral

and got to see the Botafumeiro swing

up close!

We thought it was funny that Emelio Estevez 

was dressed up like one of the priests,

and didn't know why

until we rented the movie later.

In fact, we knew nothing about 

the story being told.

When we finally were able to rent the movie,

we were so excited!

We watched it, looking for ourselves at the end.

Wait!

WHAT?

Where WERE we?

We played it back again.

"Do you see us?"

"Nope!"

Hey!!!!

Then we played it frame by frame

and finally, 

I saw big old tall Joe.

But where was I?

Oh… there is my shoulder and my head,

behind you, Joe!

Oh well,

so much for a career in Hollywood.

We laughed at our silly excitement 

of being in a movie where we had to

stop each frame to see ourselves.

It was an otherwise incredible experience.

Martin Sheen was so gracious,

spending time with his fans 

to the point of his son,

who was directing the movie,

having to call him several times

to get him back to work.

He chatted with folks,

signed autographs, 

took photos with fans,

and was really a sweet guy.

Emelio was no less kind,

spending several minutes talking with Joe

in the Cathedral.

We really enjoyed the day!

In the end, 

The WAY made a pretty big impact 

on the Camino.

Numbers of pilgrims walking 

increased.

I asked many people the next year 

how they found out about the Camino,

and many responded,

"We saw THE WAY!"

So thanks, Mr. Sheen and Mr. Estevez, 

for the memories.

And for your kindness.

You rock!