Rony Brauman has been president of “Médecins sans frontières”, better known as the ‘French doctors’, for fifteen years. His experience led him to investigate the development of humanitarian aid throughout the ages and analyses the inherent danger of political manipulation.
From “institutionalised charity” by the church and the first appearance of doctors on the battlefields of religious wars to the creation and emergence of international relief and care organisations – among them “Médecins sans Frontières” - , the film traces a complete history of the humanitarian movement.
A lucid and critical look of international aid work in the face of complex, and often conflicting, political interests. In acknowledgement of their efforts, “Médecins sans Frontières” has been awarded the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize.