December 4th, 2008
Watch the Full Program
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARCO POLO, premiering on public television beginning November 2008 (check local listings), chronicles the journey of two ordinary guys – Belliveau, at the time a wedding photographer, and O’Donnell, an artist and former Marine – as they set out to follow Polo’s historic route. Equal parts travelogue, adventure story, history trek and buddy movie, the 90-minute film weaves footage from the duo’s often perilous voyage with Marco Polo’s descriptions and experiences. Richly enhanced with Belliveau’s award-winning photographs, the program details their highs and lows as they retrace Polo’s path, trying to see what he saw and feel what he must have felt.
- comments (106)
106 Responses to “Watch the Full Program”
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beth says:November 18, 2008 at 5:01 pm
The film is amazing. Not only is it visually stunning and emotionally moving, but its funny as well! It is truely inspiring to see what is possible when we follow our dreams!
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Jeremy Shapiro says:November 18, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Hello Denis,
Just saw the program you and Francis did, In the footsteps of Marco Polo. Very cool and I concur with you that after having traveled to Istanbul on my own journey of food discovery and cooking with the locals there, that Turkey is a very friendly country. But your extreme adventure was really inspiring,I commend both of you and Francis for really inspiring me as just a couch watcher that felt like I would love to do what you both did! While in Turkey I met a documentary film maker Paxton Winters who went by camel along the silk route, Silk Road á la Turka.
Thanks for a journey that not many could muster the courage to endeavor to follow…most of all thanks to Marco Polo for helping you both realize your dream.Jeremy
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RONNI says:November 19, 2008 at 4:41 pm
This documentary is incredible, it is difficult to imagine 2 young men with more pluck, determination and good fortune. What is most inspiring is they didn’t distribute it commercially, it is available free on PBS and this website! I will see it again for the beauty and the thrill and highly recommend it.
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Ellen Federice says:November 21, 2008 at 2:30 pm
On May the 5 th 2007 , I had the good fortune to view the debut screening of a film with the very same title “In the footsteps of Marco Polo ” , at the Metropolitan Museum of art ! To my Great surprise your Wonderful film is about the very same men ! The focus of the two pieces seems to be very different . The PBS film is beautifully told , funny , sad , full of grit and tension , and I really felt I got to know these two brave , kind souls ! Thanks , I’ll watch it over and over and tell everyone I know to do the same but where and how can I view this other version ? Which seemed to document the work and findings of the Explorers in the field ! It was so rich with Marco Polo History , chock full of information and insight , not found in the PBS film , that it should be the ” Must Film ” for all students ! of history , culture , art and life !
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Andrew G. says:November 21, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Wow , Wow , Wow is all I can say ! I’ve lived my life by the conventional norms of society , but not anymore , life is to short & now that the kids are grown , there are things I need to do before I Die , like in that movie ” The bucket list ” but I was afraid to follow my Dreams until now ! THANKS Denis and Francis
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denis belliveau says:November 21, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Besides the journey itself, our greatest reward so far has been all the wonderful comments like the one posted above. Thank you everyone, we are truly touched and humbled by all your kind words.
To answer Ellen’s question, we will soon post on this website, parts of our original film which premiered at the Met and plan on releasing it in its entirety sometime in the near future. We have decided to call that film, “The Legacy of Marco Polo.” -
S.E. says:November 25, 2008 at 9:25 pm
LOVED THIS PROGRAM! Your documentary was fascinating. The two of you had the invaluable characteristic of all explorers – you’re either incredibly brave & hardy or crazy. The latter probably applies if you don’t survive your adventure.
I’m writing because, at the end of the program, there was a quick glimpse of your art shown. Is there any other place or website where your work can be seen in greater volume and at a more leisurely pace? {I’m not a collector, just an interested viewer.} Was I correct in my sense that I was seeing some influence of Tibet and India in the coloration and figures you were depicting in those paintings?
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Paul Belliveau says:December 1, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Dear Denis & Francis,job well done. Your trip was more than an adventure. You left home,family and friends.You crossed borders,you encountered new cultures,spoke strange languages,met different peoples.And all this has changed you,along with the people you met.There is something sacred about your journey.You discovered the immensity and vastness of God in this world,and this has left you in awe and wonder.Your journey has not ended,continue giving testimony of the one family of humankind. Blessings, Uncle Paul
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William A. Verdone says:December 2, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Hello Francis and Denis!
You boys have not only opened a window enlightening us more to our understanding of Marco Polo and his adventures, but you allowed us to go with you to retrace them! And what a trip it was! …the people, the scenery, the cultures, the customs! What I admire most, then, is the determination to bring to closure this vision you both shared from inception, simply — following in Marco Polo’s footsteps. But it became more than that. It’s an adventure story from his point of view back then, to be sure, but transported to the realities you had to endure in our modern and uncertain times, as well. Ironic, that he and you got the adventure story of a lifetime — and no matter what the dangers were, then and now, you all lived to tell the tale and document the adventure! And that, Francis and Denis, is more than inspiring! It’s monumental! -
B. Sengstacken says:December 7, 2008 at 1:59 pm
That was terrific! I just watched the program on thirteen.org, and I will see it again when it is broadcast this week. I cannot believe the pluck and determination exhibited as they persevered through this arduous journey. These guys were totally unstoppable! It is inspiring to learn of such fortitude. Also, I really enjoyed the insight into the remote foreign cultures.
I look forward to seeing the “Legacy” movie. Thank you for doing this. We are glad you succeeded. -
F. Thompson says:December 11, 2008 at 12:34 am
OMG! i just watched it three times in a row! so inspiring! i am a photographer and i’ve been dying to make a similar journey. you’ve open my eyes and heart. really amazing!! CONGRATS to the both of you!
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C. Seebald says:December 16, 2008 at 1:32 am
Great documentary, a testament to the peoples and cultures on the silk road. Foriegners traveling and discovering the world. But why 14 years to bring the film to the public? Is this journey more akin to a Great Game visitation of the 18th and 19th century? I saw extraordinary men with sponsorship from Sikorsky with a good cover. Recommend The Great Game and Foriegn Devils on the Silk Road by Peter Hopkirk.
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H.Clebsch says:December 16, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Just saw your show. It was touching and inspiring. One of the most raw honest sincere pieces of journalism I have seen. Thank you for putting a refreshing perspective on humankind. Great to see something that transcends the confines of the US media. Seeing the names on the doors of the houses in Mongolia gave me goosebumps. Was this shown in 1994??? My sister traveled the world with her husband for two years in the 80’s. What you showed echoed their experience. Nice to see it had not changed that much in 10+ years. All the best. You guys rock.
Hans
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J. Martin says:December 17, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I saw the show on PBS last night. Belliveau and O’Donnell are incredibly brave and creative to have made this trek. Thank you so much for bringing your adventure into the public’s eye. The part in Afghanistan was most interesting and scary to me. As a very young person, I traveled abroad for a year in the 1970s, including 2 months in Afghanistan. From the filmmakers’ work, it looks like nothing has changed except that in the 1990s everyone is heavily armed. In my own travels into Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and India, I always found warm, welcoming people in the most unexpected places. Belliveau and O’Donnell’s documentary brought to light fascinating details about places and people that I’ve never seen before in quite this way. I will watch this again and share it with my friends. Thank you, and let’s hope for peace.
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Brian says:December 19, 2008 at 10:22 am
The film is amazing. I have been showing it to my 9th grade students after we have just studied a unit on Marco Polo and China. The students and myself have really enjoyed the film. I hope the film inspires them to travel and see the world. They also really love it because the film makers are local NYers like my students.
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pamela cibik says:December 20, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Has anyone taped this show?
Would love to show it and share it with my peers.
Please respond to cibik@sbcglobal.net -
sylvia ross says:December 23, 2008 at 3:10 am
Just finished watching the Ch. 13 taping. Inspiration to see the world is hardly the word. It is a visceral pull and push to experience all this world can give. Congratulations to you both. What determintion, strength , good common sense, and best of all to end by saying there are more good people in this world than bad. Can’t wait to show this to my 8 year old grandson.
Condolences on your father’s demise while you were gone; he knows what you were doing and applauded you.
What next? -
Carlos Ortiz-Vazquez says:December 27, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Gentlemen, I’d be less than candid if I didn’t tell you I envy you. My hat is off to you both. Dennis, have you painted the skyline of Mongolia, I’d be interested. Success to both in your future endeavors. I’m waiting.
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Cory says:December 28, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Thank you. We’ve shared this with our children, and intend to share many more adventures, direct or by proxy. Thank you for your sharing too.
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A. Sethi says:December 29, 2008 at 12:56 pm
What’s astounding is the amount of footage taken while walking casually around armed militia and religious fighters. How the heck did these two guys capture s-o-o much video of people, armed to the teeth?
I come back to this site often to view a segment or clip. What is it about their journey that’s so mesmerizing to the rest of us? I couldn’t put down their book, and now I can’t stop viewing these clips…
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Beth says:December 31, 2008 at 7:34 am
I just came across this on public television last night and was so intrigued, I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. My best friend and I travel pretty extensively internationally and understand how much it takes to have a really good travel partner (especially as women!). I cannot even begin to imagine the bond that they two of you have after that journey. At the end, when you were returning to Venice, I don’t know how you held back the tears. All of the struggles, excitement, apprehensions, awakenings, adventures, and the dream coming to an end… Pretty emotional. I know my limits as a traveler, and I could NEVER have weathered that journey, but hats off to you both. Amazing perseverance and quest for the truth. And at the end, when you said ‘It’s easy to hate someone you’ve never met; travel is the enemy of bigotry.’ So, so true. People are overall good. Great journey, great video, great message!
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Gladys says:January 1, 2009 at 10:49 pm
I just saw your remarkable journey on-line which was so moving and courageous! There is a spirit of perseverance that touches my soul to meet adventurers like yourself – I feel a kindred spirit for you both. Happy New Year and thanks for the wonderful inspiration!
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bruce spivey says:January 5, 2009 at 7:33 am
Thank you! My family and I watched this over new years day. This is how history should be taught. America, where individuals are permitted and do great things! What you did was great; sharing it, truly a gift! thank you!
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Sandra Salazar says:January 5, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I saw the PBS documentary on your adventure following in Marco Polo’s footsteps and I just wanted to say thank you for reminding me that “you” gotta believe in something and put your all into it. I’m a Science teacher and was feeling frustrated about this year’s bunch of kids who are very low in motivation and effort. Being on winter holiday gave me a lot of time to think, negatively, and was ready to just give up. But after seeing the documentary, I remembered why I became a teacher in the first place. I have a renewed sense of purpose, thanks to your accomplishment. Thank you.
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Jamie says:January 11, 2009 at 5:23 pm
This was the most amazing television I have seen in a long time. Thank you Denis and Francis for taking this trip, documenting it so well, for your bravery and honesty and open hearts and minds. I love this documentary and can’t wait to see and purchase The Legacy. You were definitely meant to complete this journey. I found your travels to be inspirational on so many levels. Please let us know immediately when the new film is ready and how we can see more of Francis’ paintings.
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Nathan Davalos says:January 12, 2009 at 12:41 pm
OMG, I watched this last night, you guys were CRAZY, but that had to be the best documentary on the region ever. It was really great to see some of the stuff that no one really ever gets to like that, absolutely amazing stuff.
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George Blair says:January 19, 2009 at 8:43 pm
This was a truely inspiring documentary- many thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!
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GILMORE says:January 20, 2009 at 1:09 am
I watched the film and sent myself an email later to remind myself: You owe these guys a drink at some point.
Maybe soup dumplings again at Joe’s Shanghai. (misattributed in the NYT article i think). I love that joint.
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Cathy Piatek says:January 26, 2009 at 7:48 am
What a tremendous gift to those of us who do not get to travel as much as we’d like! Magnificant! Thank you for researching, planning and making such a wonderful journey! I’m ordering a few copies of the book to share with friends and family and I know everyone will love it as much as I did! Thank you!
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Dent Thompson says:January 26, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Hi Denis and Francis, I recently traveled to Delhi, India for the first time. I was on my own and it was the first time I visited a third world country. Growing up in the USA, I was ready to go home after the first day. As difficult as it was for me to cope, I’m sure I only have a small sense of what you both endured in your two years of travel. I am humbled and amazed at your story. I can only imagine what it was like for Marco Polo. I am so happy I traveled to India and stuck it out. I think society would be much better off if we could all travel in the footsteps of other cultures.
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Steve Foster says:February 1, 2009 at 1:40 am
We just had the show on t.v. tonight. This was a perfect connective theme for some of the many amazing places that are too easily overlooked as points on a map, even by those who care deeply for their maps. The story of this journey makes the heart both laugh and sigh, and wakes up the traveller’s abiding yearning to return to those places that, however briefly, were “home”.
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Stephen Bineau says:February 2, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Denis and Fran, congratulations to both of you! Mullin told me that this was finally being released and Denis, the first image that came to my mind was of the stern-faced man standing in a square, white doves perched along his arms. I’m sure you get that a lot… The book has been transporting me away each evening for the past week and boy, it’s really extrodinary. I’m glad I was able to find the program online and am enjoying it immensely as well, but wanted to take a moment to say congratulations to you both. And even more than that, thank you. You should be very proud of all you’ve accomplished.
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duinnerfs says:February 4, 2009 at 10:39 pm