The Diary of a Volunteer (2010)
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.
Director: Robert Morin
![]() |
Robert Morin as Jean-Marc Phaneuf |
![]() |
Rose Twagirayezu as Églantine |
![]() |
Chantal Gatore as Pauline |
![]() |
Rémi Muhirwa Ciza as Léopold |
![]() |
Jani Alban as Mathilde |
![]() |
Patrice Faye as Jacques |
![]() |
André Lanthier as Ambassadeur du Canada |
![]() |
Capitaine Madimba as Omar |
![]() |
Dominique Puthod as Didier |
![]() |
Freddy Sibomana as Benoit |
| Directing | Robert Morin | Director |
| Writing | Robert Morin | Writer |
| Sound | Bertrand Chénier | Original Music Composer |
| Art | Mary Lynn Deachman | Art Direction |
| Editing | Michel Giroux | Editor |
| Costume & Make-Up | Patricia McNeil | Costume Design |
| Sound | Olivier Léger | Sound Recordist |
| Production | Stéphanie Morissette | Producer |
| Camera | Robert Morin | Director of Photography |