Storyline
What would you do if your basic income was taken care of month after month? Would you stop working? Follow your passions? Take more risks? The four-figure sum that all four members of the Wardwell family receive each year from the Alaskan government’s crude oil profits goes towards a college fund for their children, something they would otherwise be unable to afford. Filmmaker Christian Tod, himself a fervent supporter of the idea, explores the model of an unconditional basic income and takes a look at trial systems already underway in the US, Canada and Namibia. Wandering the history of this utopia reminiscent of science fiction he eventually ends up in Switzerland, where the new system was voted on in 2016. In this multifaceted and highly entertaining documentary, Tod broaches life’s existential questions and fuels the debate on one of the most prevalent economic topics of our generation.
Cast & Crew
GW
Götz Werner
Himself
LeadDH
Daniel Häni
Himself
MB
Michael Bohmeyer
Himself
FU
Fran Ulmer
Herself
PB
Peter Barnes
Himself
EF
Evelyn Forget
Herself
Bernie Sanders
Self (archive footage)
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Christian Tod's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
4.0
“Every frame feels alive. Free Lunch Society is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
