The Diary of a Volunteer

The story

Jean-Marc Phaneuf, an unmarried electrical engineer, travels to Burundi as a volunteer for the NGO Radio du Monde. He finds a country ruined by grinding poverty, famine, war, disease and appalling social inequality. At the same time, he meets a joyful, brave people hungry for happiness, knowledge and human dignity. The camera that becomes his personal diary also helps Jean-Marc expose the shaky, ineffective workings of NGOs. His investigations turn up a few praiseworthy examples of international cooperation, but on the whole he finds himself drawn to a terrible, inescapable conclusion: humanitarian aid is a utopian mirage. After falling victim to an attack and losing whatever ideals he still had, Jean-Marc becomes entangled in an impossible relationship. He is ultimately forced to leave Africa in disgrace.

Cast & crew

Robert MorinJean-Marc Phaneuf

Rose Twagirayezu

Rose Twagirayezu Églantine

Chantal Gatore

Chantal GatorePauline

Rémi Muhirwa Ciza

Rémi Muhirwa CizaLéopold

Jani Alban

Jani Alban Mathilde

Patrice Faye

Patrice FayeJacques

André Lanthier

André LanthierAmbassadeur du Canada

Capitaine Madimba

Capitaine MadimbaOmar

Dominique Puthod

Dominique PuthodDidier

Freddy Sibomana

Freddy SibomanaBenoit