Past screening

Free Money

Directed by: Lauren DeFilippo, Sam Soko
Runtime: 1h 15min Certificate: PG

Details

Directed by: Lauren DeFilippo, Sam Soko
Runtime: 1h 15min Certificate: PG
Country: Kenya, USA
Topics: Sociopolitical
Last Screened: Wed 3rd May 2023

What happens if you cut out the middleman and give money directly to people in need? The world's most audacious social experiment is about to be rolled out in the Kenyan village of Kogutu, and lives will be changed forever, for better and for worse.

GiveDirectly, one of the fastest growing non-profits of the 21st century, will send every adult in the village free money, once a month, for twelve years.

Filmmakers Sam Soko and Lauren DeFilippo juxtapose the story of the idealistic Silicon Valley start-up, who believe they can end world poverty, with the reality for the people of Kogutu. Universal basic income will impact everyone in the village and well beyond, in ways that the givers might never imagine.

Free Money is a fascinating case study of life in a village-turned-petri-dish from the perspective of those living out this revolutionary idea.

The screening on 24th April will be followed by a Zoom Q&A with the directors Sam Soko and Lauren DeFilippo, hosted by documentary director, producer and Executive Producer for BBC Africa Eye, Peter Murimi.