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TRAVELLER’S GUIDE

Traveller's Guide Image Name: Traveller's Guide Description: Traveller's Guide Paddy Collins with a child from the Wauja tribe RTÉ One Copyright: RTÉ 2019. Motive Television.
Traveller's Guide Image Name: Traveller's Guide Description: Traveller's Guide Paddy Collins with members of the Wauja tribe RTÉ One Copyright: RTÉ 2019. Motive Television.
Traveller's Guide Image Name: Traveller's Guide Description: Traveller's Guide RTÉ One Paddy Collins Wednesday March 6th Copyright: RTÉ 2019. Motive Television.
Traveller's Guide Image Name: Traveller's Guide Description: Traveller's Guide RTÉ One Paddy Collins and members of the Wauja tribe Wednesday March 6th Copyright: RTÉ 2019. Motive Television.
Traveller's Guide Image Name: Traveller's Guide Description: Traveller's Guide RTÉ One Paddy Collins and a member of the Wauja tribe Wednesday March 6th Copyright: RTÉ 2019. Motive Television.
Traveller's Guide Image Name: Traveller's Guide Description: Traveller's Guide RTÉ One Paddy Collins and children from the Wauja tribe Wednesday March 6th Copyright: RTÉ 2019. Motive Television.

SERIES OVERVIEW

‘Traveller’s Guide’ is a ground breaking new documentary series that sees travellers live with other nomadic and indigenous tribes from across the world.

The 1st March 2017 was an historic and momentous day for Irish Travellers as the distinct ethnic identity of the community was formally recognized by the state. But what does this recognition actually mean for a people often living on the margins of Irish life? In an effort to learn more about their own unique ethnic identity, two travellers Paddy Collins and Selina O’Leary accept the challenge to spend 10 days living and interacting with some of the most isolated and unique ethnic communities on our planet.

Blending adventure and travel with human interest and immersive experience each episode will mix factual entertainment, observational documentary and world affairs to create exciting, informative and emotional films with serious points to make. Our travellers bring fresh insight into these unique communities through their own experiences growing up in a distinct ethnic group in Ireland.

Both Paddy and Selina have no expertise or experience of politics, international relations or even travel. They are ordinary members of the traveller community confronting dramatic and daunting global issues for the very first time. Their experience is real, raw and unmediated.

Each episode will examine the cultural and social aspects of each location and people, but crucially look at some of the causes of the issues that the nomadic or indigenous people are facing. These issues are approached through the lives and experiences of local people and not through NGO’s or experts.

The incredible adventure series is a life affirming celebration of the diversity of some of the world’s most distinct ethnic minorities. Visually stunning the series highlights the remote beauty of the locations and the unique character of each individual tribe, who are resolutely maintaining their cultures and beliefs, despite pressure to conform and adapt to the modern world.

Traveller’s Guide is a Motive Television production for RTÉ and made with the support of the BAI Sound and Vision Scheme.

EPISODE 1

In the first episode Paddy Collins from Avila Park, a halting site in Finglas, leaves the comforts of home, to life with the Wauja people of the Xingu River, deep in the heart of Brazils Amazon basin.

Brazil has a population of almost 210 million, most of them crammed into densely populated cities. But its also home to minorities of indigenous people who live deep in the rainforest and have little contact with the outside world. The Xingu National Park is the largest area in the world set aside for the exclusive use of native people. Roughly the size of Belgium, it’s home to 15 different indigenous tribes, including the Wauja.

For centuries the Wauja have lived and hunted on the banks of the Xingu. They are renowned for their colourful dress and rituals as well as a unique combat sport called Uka Uka. For 10 days Paddy must fully immerse himself in the unique customs and culture of his hosts as well get to grips with the basics of Uka Uka wrestling as Paddy has been asked to represent the tribe in the annual competition.