The Jungle Hospital – The Myth of Albert and Helene Schweitzer

The Schweitzers became icons of humanism in the post-war period. In recent years, however, this has been critically questioned. What remains of their legacy – in Europe and in Gabon?

In 1913, Albert and Helene Schweitzer set out to build a hospital in Gabon. Albert went on to become the celebrated “jungle doctor” and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, long regarded as a symbol of humanity and moral responsibility. Far less known is the role of his wife Helene, a teacher and trained nurse who, despite her struggle with tuberculosis, kept the clinic alive through her tireless dedication. The documentary tells the story of Albert and Helene Schweitzer as two extraordinary personalities. At the same time, it explores how their legacy is reinterpreted today – not only through European eyes, but also from African perspective that expose colonial entanglements and paternalistic views.