The man who never left anyone (Philippe Dahinden)

This film takes us on a poignant journey through the life and legacy of Philippe Dahinden.  Bound by years of friendship and shared ideals, Jean-Philippe Rapp, former journalist and producer at RTS sets out to meet those who knew Dahinden best. As the story unfolds, a deeply human and complex portrait takes shape—of a man both luminous and troubled, difficult to define.

Through interviews and reflections, we discover Dahinden’s early involvement in avant-garde theater and alternative cinema in the 1960s, his love for the beauty of simple things, and his more destructive tendencies, from alcohol to his constant search for emotional intensity. The film also explores his deep passion for jazz, the emotional depth of his relationships, and his unwavering political commitment. A bold and brilliant spirit, Dahinden lived many lives, often on the edge—yet always managed to rise again, forging an exceptional destiny.

Children in Africa called him “Papa Swallow”, honoring his role as co-founder of Radio Hirondelle—a station of solidarity and compassion, created to counter the hatred spread by Radio Mille Collines, which played a key role in inciting the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. This is the portrait of a man who fell, broke, rebuilt, and ultimately chose to fight for life—with art, love, and resistance.