Tonight in Merida in Central Spain, in a ceremony attended by more than five hundred Camino Association leaders from around the world, I was presented the Pentafinium Jacobean Award for my film, The Way, My Way.

The Award is only conferred once every three years. The principal purpose of the award is to recognise the creative work of individuals and institutions that have made a significant contribution to the care, promotion and development of the Jacobean pilgrimage

Here is my speech:

When I set out from St. Jean Pied de Port thirteen years ago, I never imagined I’d be here accepting an award for a film I had no intention of making.My concern that day, and for the next thirty days, was simply: would I make it?

At times I struggled. At others, it was exhilarating. I met people who became lifelong friends and changed my life forever.

But I returned to Australia confused, wondering why I’d put myself through such pain and anguish. So I wrote a book to make sense of it.

When a veteran film distributor read it and urged me to make a film, I resisted. I’d made many films, but I didn’t think my journey was special. A film about myself seemed ludicrous. But he persisted, I took a swing at it—and here I am.

The film is unusual because many of the pilgrims I met along the way returned ten years later to play themselves. That, I believe, gives it its authenticity.

It became what some reviewers called “the surprise hit of the year,” playing in cinemas around the world, and now on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV and other platforms.

I’d like to thank the Jacobean associations who voted for the film, and my dear friend Johnnie Walker, who was a guide and wise counsellor throughout the process.

Above all, I thank Jennifer Cluff—my producing partner and my partner in life. I could not have made this film without her.

I’m deeply humbled by this award, and very grateful. Having said that, I’m making another film, this time on the Portuguese Camino, called The Way, Her Way, due for release next year.

So I very cheekily hope to find myself here again in three years’ time!

Thank you.