“Finding the Money,” directed by Maren Poitras and released in 2023, is a documentary that delves into Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and its implications for economic policy. Featuring prominent economists and policymakers, the film aims to challenge traditional views on national debt and government spending.
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How did all of this come together?
Directed by Maren Poitras, the documentary is produced by Maren Poitras along with executive producers Douglas Blush, Eric Breon, Geoff Coventry, and Marc Smolowitz. The film’s music was composed by Andrew Gross, Gil Talmi, and Simón Wilson. The documentary features a blend of interviews, archival footage, and animated sequences to explain the principles of MMT and its potential to reshape economic policy.
Finding the Money combines two things I love: economics and documentaries
“Finding the Money” follows a group of economists who advocate for Modern Monetary Theory, which posits that governments that control their own currency can never “run out” of money in the same way a business or individual can. The documentary explores how this theory could be applied to address social issues and economic disparities. Key figures in the film include Stephanie Kelton, a leading proponent of MMT, and other economists who discuss the theory’s potential to transform fiscal policy.
Stephanie Kelton is my new hero
Stephanie Kelton’s interviews stand out for their clarity and passion, effectively communicating the principles of MMT. The contributions from other economists and policymakers add depth and varying perspectives to the discussion, making the documentary informative and engaging.
How do you make a financial documentary look so good?
The cinematography by Maren Poitras captures the interviews in a straightforward yet engaging manner, using clear visuals and effective editing to enhance the film’s narrative. The documentary employs animations and infographics to explain complex economic concepts, making them accessible to a wider audience.
What I enjoyed about the documentary
Key scenes include Stephanie Kelton’s detailed explanations of MMT, which serve as the backbone of the documentary. The film also features impactful discussions about the potential social benefits of applying MMT principles, such as funding for healthcare, education, and infrastructure without the fear of increasing national debt.
“Finding the Money” can be compared to other economic documentaries such as “The Big Short” and “Inside Job,” which also seek to demystify complex financial concepts and critique traditional economic policies. Like these films, “Finding the Money” uses expert interviews and engaging visuals to educate and provoke thought.
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What should I watch this with?
For a thematic double feature, pair “Finding the Money” with “The Big Short,” which also challenges conventional economic wisdom and explores the implications of financial systems on society. Another excellent companion film is “Inside Job,” which provides a critical look at the economic policies leading to the 2008 financial crisis.
It’s time for Questions from the Readers
Q: Is “Finding the Money” based on a true story? A: Yes, the documentary explores real economic theories and includes interviews with actual economists and policymakers.
Q: Where was “Finding the Money” filmed? A: The documentary features interviews filmed in various locations, with specific filming locations not detailed.
Q: Is “Finding the Money” suitable for children? A: The documentary is best suited for older viewers with an interest in economics and policy, as it deals with complex subjects.
Q: Who directed “Finding the Money”? A: Maren Poitras directed the documentary.
Q: What is the runtime of “Finding the Money”? A: The documentary has a runtime of approximately 95 minutes.
Q: Are there any notable cameos in “Finding the Money”? A: The documentary features notable economists and policymakers, including archival footage of prominent figures such as Joe Biden and Ben Bernanke.
Finding the Money went from limited theatrical release to Blu-ray pretty fast
In 2024, “Finding the Money” received its debut Blu-ray release, offering viewers a high-definition experience with enhanced picture and sound quality. The Blu-ray edition includes no bonus materials that highlight the intricacies of Modern Monetary Theory.
