2,800 miles. 6 million steps. A walk to meet America.

A feature documentary about two strangers who walked across the United States.

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From Different Paths

In July 2025, a handful of pilgrims left Eugene, Oregon on foot with a goal: walk 2,800 miles to Washington DC and meet their neighbors along the way. Exhausted by political polarization and media-driven division, they sought connection over confrontation through a modern-day Forrest Gump moment.

Although other's came and went, only two made it the whole way: Esther, and Bob. Complete strangers who met the day before departure, they walked side-by-side across America, relying on the kindness of churches, community centers, and strangers who became friends. Over 2,800 miles, they formed a unique bond, and discovered who America is. I documented the journey, and am making a film about it.

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Two women embracing warmly outdoors with a group of smiling people watching behind them.

"The people that I've met walking across this country embody the spirit of America. It's the spirit of welcoming the stranger, of generosity, of grace, of human kindness "
-Bob Hall

The Journey Captured, Step by Step

Two smiling people dressed in outdoor jackets, one wearing a yellow beanie and the other holding a folded umbrella.
Two hikers walking on the gravel shoulder of a rural highway with fields and wind turbines in the background.
A person walking with trekking poles on a narrow dirt path surrounded by grass and fields.
Beige B Touring Cruiser RV parked on grass near McKenzie Valley Presbyterian Church sign and trees under a blue sky with clouds.
Three older adults smiling and laughing while sitting and standing around a table in a room with wood paneling and a window.
Three people walking along a rural road beside a vast field during sunset with one person trailing behind.
Two people sitting and talking across a wooden table in a cozy cafe with art on the walls and other patrons in the background.
A winding river flows through a valley surrounded by forested mountains under a clear blue sky.

"There can be a connection that is so embodied from one end of the country to the other, that isn't relying on satellites or fiber-optic cables. It's just me and my feet."
-Esther Freinkel Tishman

What's next?

After wrapping up the walk in December, and finishing final post-walk interview in March, I am in the thick of the editing process. I have a soft goal of premiering the film locally in Fall of 2026, but there are no gaurantees.

To support the production of this film, including  the costs of editing software, music licenses, distribution, and audio formatting, please consider donating at the link below. All those who donate will be included in the films credits.

Donate Today
Three adults gathered around a laptop at a picnic table under a canopy in a wooded outdoor area with food and drinks on the table.

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A young man holding a camera stands in front of a wooden fence with a vast dry grass field and mountain range under a cloudy sky at sunset.