Free Money

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Free Money

2022

1h 14m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

14 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

When universal basic income (UBI) comes to the Kenyan village of Kogutu, lives are forever changed. GiveDirectly, one of the fastest growing nonprofits of the 21st century, is sending free money for twelve years as part of the world's largest UBI experiment. Filmmakers Lauren DeFilippo and Sam Soko juxtapose the story of these young economists, bankrolled by Silicon Valley and convinced that they have found an infallible algorithm to end world poverty, with portraits of local Kenyans whose lives are being dramatically impacted for better and for worse. UBI is at the forefront of political debate like never before, thanks to Andrew Yang's presidential candidacy, Covid stimulus packages, and trials underway around the world. This documentary is a fascinating case study of life in a village-turned-petri-dish from the perspective of those living out this revolutionary idea.

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Perhaps this brief documentary does not fully investigate the implications, but it is an intriguing case study.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 19, 2023

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Guy Lodge

Variety

Healthily skeptical but not damning, and generally prioritizing human interest over political polemic, this gripping, broadly accessible breakdown of a globally resonant subject boasts few stylistic or rhetorical fireworks...

Nov 18, 2022

Full Review

Sheri Linden

Hollywood Reporter

A thoughtful starter for a pressing conversation.

Sep 20, 2022

Full Review

Michael Ward

Should I See It

...an interesting film, but paints this story only in broad strokes.

Rated: 2.5/5

May 21, 2023

Full Review

Ashley Nerbovig

The Stranger (Seattle, WA)

By the end, I was left uncertain how I felt about the project, but invested in tracking it through its conclusion in 2031. An absolute must-see.

May 15, 2023

Full Review

Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

What we see is watchable and quite informative, but there is only so much it can tell us about UBI.

May 1, 2023

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Talk Film T

Free money is one morally ambiguous yet great conversation starter documentary which I'd recommend everyone to watch and see whether you agree with the program or not. The approach by the filmmakers is great because it lets the viewer draw their own conclusions. I don't agree with all their shooting styles but I'm glad they told the story.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/23/24

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Lauren DeFilippo

Director

Sam Soko

Director

Jordan Fudge

Producer

Amanda Pollak

Producer

Tess Cohen

Producer

Jeremy Allen

Producer

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Synopsis

When universal basic income (UBI) comes to the Kenyan village of Kogutu, lives are forever changed. GiveDirectly, one of the fastest growing nonprofits of the 21st century, is sending free money for twelve years as part of the world's largest UBI experiment. Filmmakers Lauren DeFilippo and Sam Soko juxtapose the story of these young economists, bankrolled by Silicon Valley and convinced that they have found an infallible algorithm to end world poverty, with portraits of local Kenyans whose lives are being dramatically impacted for better and for worse. UBI is at the forefront of political debate like never before, thanks to Andrew Yang's presidential candidacy, Covid stimulus packages, and trials underway around the world. This documentary is a fascinating case study of life in a village-turned-petri-dish from the perspective of those living out this revolutionary idea.

Director: Lauren DeFilippo, Sam Soko
Producer: Jordan Fudge, Amanda Pollak, Tess Cohen, Jeremy Allen, Lauren DeFilippo, Sam Soko
Production Co: Insignia Films, New Slate Ventures, Mega Gram Music
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 14m