FREE MONEY

Kenya
2022

Director: Lauren DeFilippo & Sam Soko

Language: English, Swahili, Luo

When universal basic income (UBI) comes to the Kenyan village of Kogutu, lives are forever changed. GiveDirectly – one of the fastest growing non-profits of the 21st century – is sending free money for 12 years as part of the world’s largest UBI experiment. Film makers Lauren DeFilippo and Sam Soko juxtapose the story of these young economists, bankrolled by Silicon Valley, who are convinced 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. 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.

Screenings

25 July | 17:30 | Suncoast 7
26 July | 19:15 | Suncoast 8
TRAILER COMING SOON

Credits

Director

Lauren DeFilippo & Sam Soko

Producer

Jeremy Allen, Tess Cohen, Jordan Fudge, Amanda Pollak

Screenplay

-

Cinematography

Vanessa Carr, Nyasha Kadandara, Wambui 'Bo' Muigai

Cast

-

Runtime

75 min

Lauren DeFilippo & Sam Soko

Sam Soko is a documentary film maker based in Nairobi, Kenya. With his captivating approach to socio-political storytelling, he has developed content and collaborated with firebrand artists worldwide. His first feature documentary project, SOFTIE – a story about balancing the deep love of country with the family’s needs – premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, winning a special jury prize for editing. Soko has gone on to receive Emmy, Peabody, and PGA nominations for his work. He is an outspoken defender of freedom of expression and has taken part in global conversations on making media matter when the world is on fire. Soko is also co-founder of LBx Africa, a Kenyan production company that works with local and international film makers to bring uniquely African perspectives to global audiences.
DIFF 2023

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