Why We Walk
The doors are closed. There are no more screenings of this film.
Synopsis: WHY WE WALK follows the journey of three Black men, from across the globe, united to empower and de-stigmatize urban communities of color and their participation in the great outdoors. After years of city exploration, The Urban Hikers strive to introduce the power of walking to a community that has historically been underrepresented in this space.
Inspired by the story of the revolutionary abolitionist John Brown, The Urban Hikers embark on a life-changing backpacking pilgrimage from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia- the birthplace of the Civil War- to the nation’s capital in Washington, DC.
The Appalachian wilderness serves as a stage to address underlying racial identities and cultural differences within the collective. As tensions rise and provisions dwindle, the team must learn to work as one in order to reach their destination — Mile 0.
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Director's Statement
As a storyteller, I seek to discover and present the fine line between real life and the transcendent.
My aim with WHY WE WALK is to demonstrate that humanity has the ability to grow and come together through exploration and dialogue.
We are made to walk, and to move forward.
Director's Bio
Eric Bishop is an American documentary filmmaker. In 2016, Bishop graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Integrative Media & Film Studies.
Upon graduating college, the aspiring filmmaker worked part-time as a Lyft driver to supplement his freelance career. In an act of serendipity, Bishop met Vanny Mwamba, the future subject of his directorial debut film, as a passenger in his vehicle. In that brief, yet fateful car ride a spark was ignited.
Soon after, Bishop was invited to join Vanny and his group, The Urban Hikers, on their weekly hikes throughout downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. After years of routine urban exploration, Bishop participated with and documented the Hikers’ on their epic backpacking odyssey through Appalachian wilderness in 2019.
Ultimately, their curious friendship has solidified into a life-long one. Their collective purpose remains focused on bringing more folks into the righteous practice of walking and exploration —something that is needed now more than ever.