Documentary Film, Buen Camino, Wins Silver Davey Award

Russell Cothren

Buen Camino, a short documentary film produced by the University of Arkansas Honors College in collaboration with University Relations, has won a silver Davey award in the 15th annual Davey Awards competition, which drew nearly 3,000 entries from across the U.S. and around the world. The U of A film was recognized in the Online Film & Video-Documentary category. 

The Davey Awards, inspired by the Biblical tale of David and Goliath, seeks to honor creative "Davids" who derive strength from big ideas rather than big budgets. The Davey is judged and overseen by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. 

Buen Camino previously won four awards in the 40th Annual Telly Awards, including a coveted Gold Telly in the "Television: Educational Institution" category, one of two films so honored in the nation.

The 25-minute documentary follows 18 honors students who set off on the medieval Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route through France and Spain. From Paris to the End of the Earth, they experience meditative cloisters, trek through a Pyrenean thunderstorm, explore Cathar strongholds and tackle hefty plates of Spanish pulpo. The students get a two-week crash course in medieval architecture, history and music, and learn a thing or two about themselves along the way. 

Buen Camino had its broadcast premiere on the Arkansas Educational Television Network in August and continues to air periodically on that channel. The film will premiere this week on UATV, airing at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, and at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, and will be in regular rotation thereafter. Viewers can also find the documentary on the Buen Camino website.

"We're delighted to see that our collaboration with University Relations continues to win national recognition," said Honors College Dean Lynda Coon. "You can accomplish great things when you bring talented people together."