Movies About Economy

From Directors: Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott, starring Mikela Jay, Rob Beckwermert, Christopher Gora, Nina Jones
Rated Not Rated

The Corporation is a 2003 Canadian documentary film that examines the modern-day corporation, considering its legal status as a class of person and evaluating its behavior towards society and the world at large as a psychiatrist might evaluate an ordinary person. The documentary, directed by Mark Achbar, Jennifer Abbott, and Joel Bakan, is based on Bakan's book The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power. The film features interviews with executives, critics, and business theorists including Noam Chomsky, Milton Friedman, Howard Zinn, Vandana Shiva, Naomi Klein, Michael Moore and many others. It explores the nature, evolution, impacts and possible futures of the modern business corporation. It also details how some corporations have been able to increase their profitability by shifting externalized costs onto society and the environment. The film presents criticism of corporations, while also making the point that corporations are simply a reflection of the individuals and society that created them. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2004.

From Jacob Kornbluth, starring Robert Reich, Lily Tomlin, Candice Bergen, Mary Tyler Moore
Rated PG

Inequality for All is a 2013 American documentary film directed by Jacob Kornbluth and featuring economist Robert Reich. The film examines the widening income inequality in the United States and advocates policies to reduce the gap. Reich looks at the history of income inequality and the effects of globalization and technological changes on the American workforce. He argues that the ever-increasing concentration of wealth among a small percentage of the population has contributed to a shrinking middle class and a rise in poverty. He also examines the various policies which have exacerbated or helped to reduce the problem. The film received positive reviews from critics and was nominated for a number of awards.

From Andrew Morgan, starring Livia Giuggioli, Stella McCartney, Vandana Shiva, Richard D. Wolff
Rated PG-13

The True Cost is a documentary film that examines the devastating social and environmental impacts of the global fast fashion industry. Through interviews with a variety of people, including garment workers, factory managers, and environmental activists, the film reveals the exploitation of workers and the environmental destruction caused by the unchecked use of toxic chemicals, hazardous waste, and water pollution. The film also suggests ways in which individuals might take action to support garment workers and to reduce the environmental damage caused by the fashion industry.

From Chris Smith, starring Star: Michael Ruppert
Rated Unrated

Collapse is a 2009 documentary film directed by Chris Smith which follows former Los Angeles police officer turned independent reporter Michael Ruppert. After the 2001 terrorist attacks, Ruppert became convinced that the US government was complicit in the attacks and began to spread his theories to anyone who would listen. In the film, Smith follows Ruppert as he visits various experts in energy and economics in an effort to prove his theories, while also delving into his own personal struggles with mental health and addiction. Through interviews with public figures, including Noam Chomsky, Ruppert pieces together the evidence that, in his view, condemns the US government of criminal negligence and, more broadly, hints at a much larger global crisis. As the film progresses, Ruppert’s theories become increasingly alarming, as he predicts an impending global collapse of food, energy, and financial systems. The film ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked corporate power and the fragility of our global economic systems.

From Avi Lewis, starring Matilde Adorno, Michel Camadessus, Bill Clinton, Gustavo Cordera
Rated Unrated

The Take is a 2004 documentary film directed by Avi Lewis and produced by Naomi Klein. The film focuses on the occupied factory movement in Argentina, in which workers take over and manage factories that have been abandoned by their owners due to financial difficulties. The story centers around a group of workers in Buenos Aires who occupy a closed-down factory and attempt to turn it into a cooperative business. The film follows their struggles as they face obstacles such as government interference, union bureaucracy, and a hostile legal system. At the same time, they come together to build a better future for themselves and their families. The film explores the power of solidarity and collective action in the face of global economic injustice.

From Directors: Joshua Tickell, Rebecca Harrell Tickell, starring Adhemar Altieri, Greg Anderson, Edwin Black, David Blume
Rated PG

Pump is a 2014 documentary film directed by Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell. The film follows the story of Tickell and his wife, Rebecca Harrell Tickell, as they explore the history and implications of America’s oil habit. In their journey, they travel across the United States and meet with some of the country’s most influential leaders, including former President Jimmy Carter and environmental activist Erin Brockovich. The film examines the current energy crisis, and explores the potential of green fuels, alternative energy sources, and energy efficiency. It also looks at the various effects of our oil dependency, such as air pollution, climate change, and economic disparities. Through interviews and archival footage, the film discusses how America can move away from oil and find energy independence. The filmmakers also discuss the need to create good jobs in the renewable energy sector. Pump highlights the need for a clean energy revolution and stresses the importance of finding environmentally friendly solutions to the world’s energy challenges. The film ultimately serves as an inspiring call to action for everyone to do their part in creating a more sustainable future.

From Robert Kenner, starring Frederick Singer, Naomi Oreskes, Jamy Ian Swiss, Sam Roe
Rated PG-13

Merchants of Doubt is a 2014 documentary film directed by Robert Kenner and based on the 2010 book of the same name by Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway. The film explores the extent to which public opinion on scientific matters is manipulated by a handful of well-funded activists who have the ability to create controversy and confusion. Through the stories of veteran scientists, politicians, and lobbyists, the film reveals how a small but effective group of skeptics have managed to keep the public debate alive on matters such as global warming, tobacco smoking, and the use of flame-retardants, even though their scientific positions are not supported by the overwhelming majority of scientists. In addition, it shows how this group of "experts" has been successful in undermining public policy decisions based on scientific consensus.

From Nikolaus Geyrhalter, starring Claus Hansen Petz, Arkadiusz Rydellek, Barbara Hinz, Renata Wypchlo
Rated Not Rated

Our Daily Bread is an Austrian documentary film by Nikolaus Geyrhalter that takes an intimate look at the food industry. The film follows the production of food from the farm to the factory. It offers an exploration of the industrial processes and technologies used to produce food while also exploring the lives and relationships of the individuals involved in the production. The film is shot in a mostly non-judgmental way, allowing viewers to make their own judgments about the industry. The film focuses on the costs and benefits of the food industry and the effects it has on society. The film also draws attention to the environmental damage caused by mechanized farming and the ethical issues surrounding food production and consumption.

From Stephanie Black, starring Belinda Becker, Buju Banton, Horst Köhler, Michael Manley
Rated Not Rated

Life and Debt is a documentary film by director Stephanie Black that examines the social and economic effects of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank imposed Structural Adjustment Policies (SAPs) on the economy and society of Jamaica. Through interviews with farmers, workers, tourists, economists, policy makers, and government officials, the film investigates how the IMF and World Bank’s policies have resulted in devastating poverty, unemployment, and inequality in Jamaica. The film gives an in-depth look into how these policies have affected the lives of everyday Jamaicans and how their government has failed to protect them from the devastating effects of globalization. Ultimately, the film sheds light on the need for reform of the international financial system and a more equitable approach to global economic development.

From Jim Bruce, starring Liev Schreiber, Paul Volcker, Janet Yellen, Peter Atwater
Rated Not Rated

From Steve James, starring Thomas Sung, Hwei Lin Sung, Cyrus Vance Jr., Matt Taibbi
Rated Not Rated