International Film Festival Has UC Connection

For the first time in six years, the International Film Festival is hosting a full-length event, inviting film lovers to enjoy a variety of international and West Virginia films at Park Place Cinemas (which is temporarily reopened for the Festival) and the Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema.

The film chosen to open the festival, “Ireland West Camino: A Pilgrimage Reborn,” has a connection to the University of Charleston. UC Digital Media Storyteller Thomas Breiter was the cinematographer who followed an inspiring group of pilgrims as they walked the 181-km traditional pilgrimage route from Rathcroghan in County Roscommon, Ireland, to Croagh Patrick for the first time in nearly 400 years.

The 1.5-hour documentary narrates the story of the pilgrims’ pioneering journey across western Ireland as they engage with ancient and modern sacred sites, local communities, musicians, farmers, clergy, craftspeople, and tradition keepers along the way. The film explores the deeper reasons behind each pilgrim’s journey, inviting viewers to connect with the pilgrims’ experiences throughout.

“Hope is the heartbeat of every journey,” explained Breiter. “When I set out to create Ireland West Camino, it wasn’t just about the landscapes or the history—it was about the people, the stories, and the quiet resilience that lingers on these ancient paths. There’s something about walking forward, step by step, into the unknown that mirrors life itself. This documentary is about more than just a route—it’s about the hope we carry with us, the hope we find in others, and the hope that keeps us moving, no matter how rough the road.”

Breiter returned to Ireland this fall to walk the pilgrimage route himself.

The film will be shown at Park Place Cinemas on Friday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m. For a preview, you can watch it here:

Since its founding 40 years ago, the Charleston-based WVIFF has strived to showcase international films that local viewers might not typically have the opportunity to see.

This year’s Festival will showcase films from Spain, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, China, and Brazil. There will also be filmmaker workshops, social events, and more. For details on the schedule, pricing, and additional information, visit the WVIFF here.