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Movie Info & Details
Release Year2010
Runtime1h 31m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationNR
GenresDrama
Votes4
DirectorRobert Morin
WritersRobert Morin
TypeFeature Film
Rating5.8 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsThe Diary of a Volunteer
About The Diary of a Volunteer
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.
Directed by Robert Morin, The Diary of a Volunteer leans on a strong ensemble — Robert Morin, Rose Twagirayezu , Chantal Gatore — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2010.
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