Free Money
Can the concept of a universal basic income work? This timely documentary follows a long-term charitable initiative that offers adults in an impoverished Kenyan village a regular income.
According to GiveDirectly co-founder Michael Faye the NGO system of offering “seeds and bicycles” hasn’t worked, so he’s formulated a plan to redistribute wealth bankrolled by a megadollar donation from Silicon Valley. The rural village of Kogutu is chosen for the 12-year pilot scheme in which $US22 per month is delivered via phone to all over 18. At first there’s a great deal of scepticism amongst the villagers, but as the money starts rolling in, the debate quickly shifts to how the dollars should be spent – and inevitably friction arises. Filmmakers, American Lauren DeFilippo and Kenyan Sam Soko interview locals and organisers over three years, illuminating the realities of this big idea. 
- Program Strand
- International Documentaries
- Year
- 2022
- Classification
- Unclassified 15+
- Country
- Kenya, USA
- Language
- In Swahili, Luo and English with English subtitles
- Director
- Sam Soko, Lauren DeFilippo
- Producer
- Amanda Pollak, Jordan Fudge, Jeremy Allen, Lauren DeFilippo, Sam Soko
- Cinematographer
- Vanessa Carr, Nyasha Kadandara, Wambui 'Bo' Muigai
- Editor
- Ryan Mullins, Raúl Santos, Mila Aung-Thwin
- Premiere
- Australian Premiere
- Genre
- Africa, Documentary, Politics & Economics, Human Rights, Women Directors
- Company Credits
- Sales Agent: Dogwoof
