Strangers on the Earth

In 2014, Dane Johansen (Cleveland Orchestra member since 2016) grabbed his cello and traversed the Camino de Santiago, a famous series of ancient pilgrimage paths in Europe, with the intention of playing Bach's Six Suites for Solo Cello in churches along the way. While fulfilling this dream, he gleaned unexpected and humbling insights into his own career and approach to life. Such enlightenment is a common occurrence in Strangers on the Earth, a resonant meditation on how the Camino transforms modern pilgrims seeking solace. Using a combination of interviews with these travelers - who come from all over the world to walk the hallowed paths - and intimate scenes from the road, the documentary explores thorny philosophical matters. Some visitors reaffirm the strength of their faith or achieve much-wanted emotional healing; others discover the physically demanding trek only amplifies their existing personal frustrations. Johansen's mellifluous cello playing serves as a backdrop for the film, as well as a stark reminder of his journey's historical and spiritual poignancy. (Cleveland International Film Festival)