The Hallmark Channel’s newest movie, “Journey to You,” premieres on Saturday, April 19, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The movie stars Erin Cahill and Erik Valdez. Read on to learn all about where it was filmed and the cast involved.
‘Journey Into Love’ Was Filmed in Spain
“Journey Into Love” was filmed in Spain, with much of the storyline taking place in the Carmen de Santiago pilgrimage route, Christian Post reported.
It was originally established as a route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where James the Apostle is traditionally believed to be buried. The route is often used by people seeking spiritual renewal, Christian Post shared. It’s located in Galicia in northwest Spain.
Catholic Review reported that while the film’s storyline takes place on the pilgrimage route, most of the movie was filmed in central Spain near Madrid. According to 4Filming.com, the movie was almost entirely shot in a town called Buitrago del Lozoya.
Cahill told EntertainmentNOW that she was blown away by the route and other sites she saw in Spain.
“Every day I was like, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you,'” she said. “Thank you, angels, thank you. I mean, I cried, literally — teared up or cried — almost every day. It was just so incredible.”
The movie was filmed in two weeks in February, the Catholic Review reported.
Cahill told Christian Post she was immensely grateful for the opportunity to film this movie.
“Even starting in rehearsal, we got to do horseback riding lessons and a pottery class, and I was like, ‘What is this life?’” she said.
Central to the story is a devotional journal that Cahill’s character uses, which was gifted to her by her character’s father. Viewers can purchase the same journal featured in the movie at DaySpring.
Kathy Schiffer from Family Theatre Productions interviewed Cahill about the movie. When she asked what the title Journey to You refers to, Cahill told her: “I think it’s a three-pronged interpretation which is what I love! Give me a double entendre any time!”
Cahill explained that the journey had three meanings. First, Monica (her character) was going on a journey to get closer to something bigger than herself. Second, she was going toward someone special, a man who might become important in her life. Cahill also said the journey was about finding herself—learning more about who she really is.
“I believe once you are connected to your self, to who you really are,” she said, “then you have an even deeper connection to the Divine.”
In a ReachFM interview, Cahill said that being able to film in Spain was a “pinch-me moment.”
“I don’t know how to express my gratitude enough,” she said. “It was so beautiful. The people of Spain are just these big giant hearts and I speak a little bit of Spanish, but they’re just so community-driven.”
Cahill took to Instagram to post some behind-the-scenes moments after the movie was filmed.
“In the ADR booth today finishing up SUCH a special project!!” she wrote. “Can’t wait to tell you more and to share it with you! In the meantime, JOURNEY TO YOU premieres this Easter Weekend…”
Actor Eric Valdez posted some behind-the-scenes while in Madrid.
“My first week in #Madrid has been magical! What an amazing city!! 🇪🇸” Valdez wrote.
Meet the Cast
Hallmark’s synopsis reads: “After missing out on a promotion, Monica reluctantly walks the Camino de Santiago at the urging of her mother. She’s surprised when along the way she finds inner peace and an unexpected romance.”
Monica is played by Erin Cahill. She’s appeared in comedies on FOX, dramas on major networks, thrillers on Amazon and Netflix, and starred in a number of Hallmark movies, including “Christmas Bedtime Stories” and “Hearts in the Game.” In 2021, she made her Hallmark producing debut with “Every Time a Bell Rings” on Hallmark+. Outside of acting, Cahill and her husband work with buildOn to help build schools in Nepal, Malawi, and soon Guatemala.
Erik Valdez is Luis. According to his bio, he recently completed a four-season run as Kyle Cushing, Smallville’s fire chief, on The CW’s “Superman and Lois.” Previously, he starred in over 100 episodes of “General Hospital,” earning an NAACP Image Award nomination, and portrayed crime boss Carlito Solano Jr. on USA’s “Graceland.” On the big screen, he appeared in Lionsgate’s “Confidential Informant” alongside Kate Bosworth, Nick Stahl, and Dominic Purcell.
Also starring, according to IMDb, are:
- Solal Bellaiche (Mateo)
- Pamela Field (Dot)
- Yvette Filanc (Olivia)
- Eva García Montiel (Hostel owner)
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Where Was ‘Journey to You’ Filmed? See Cast Stories & Locations