“Free Money,” a compelling documentary shot in Kogutu village located in Western Kenya, directed by Lauren DeFilippo (known for “Red Heaven”) and Sam Soko (renowned for “Softie”), is gearing up for its global debut on the popular streaming platform Netflix on September 1st.
The documentary, which is the initial installment of a three-part series, garnered immense attention when it premiered worldwide in 2022 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
It once again captured audiences in June of this year at the Sydney Film Festival.
Filmed over a span of five years, Free Money delves profoundly into the most extensive and enduring universal basic income experiment conducted in the nation by the NGO GiveDirectly.
Through the perspectives of the village’s inhabitants, Free Money artfully delves into the intricate web of challenges, complexities, and the phenomenon of white-savior complex.
Larry Madowo
The documentary enlists the expertise of acclaimed journalist Larry Madowo, who plays the role of a skeptical observer, raising probing questions about the potential long-term consequences of this initiative.
While DeFilippo and Soko, the directors, characterize the NGO’s endeavor as an experiment, Michael Faye, the NGO’s founder, featured in the documentary, holds a distinct perspective.
Simultaneously with its Netflix premiere, the documentary will also be showcased at the Unseen Theatre in Nairobi on September 1st.
This captivating documentary is the result of a collaborative effort between LBx Africa and Insignia Films, based in New York.
