The pair were friends, and worked together on Herzog’s film Cobra Verde, which was adapted from Chatwin’s book The Viceroy of Ouidah.

“We were kindred spirits - he as a writer, I as a filmmaker,” said Herzog of their friendship. “Bruce Chatwin was a writer like no other. He crafted mythical tales into voyages of the mind.”

When Chatwin was dying, he gave Herzog the rucksack he’d taken on his travels around the world.

Thirty years on, with Chatwin’s bag on his back, Herzog sets out on an epic journey inspired by the friends’ passion for the nomadic life. From the Australian Outback to Patagonia, the film pays tribute to the writer whose work explored human restlessness, borders and art.

“This is a film only Werner Herzog could have made – an emotional portrait of a friend and fellow traveller and a visionary hymn to the nomadic spirit before it disappears forever,” commented Mark Bell, Commissioning Editor of Arena and Commissioner for BBC Arts.

ARENA: Nomad - In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin, which was written, directed and narrated by Herzog, will air on BBC Two later this year.