A little bit of money.
Our feature-length documentary, “It’s Basic,” looks at several pilot programs launched in the US that test the effects of giving everyday people an extra $500 to $1,000 monthly, with no strings attached. Directed by Marc Levin and executive produced by Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) Founder Michael Tubbs, the film explores the power of cash, the importance of dignity, and the ongoing work of providing an income floor through the eyes of guaranteed income recipients who have witnessed firsthand the life-altering effects of financial stability.
With insights by MGI movement leaders-Mayors Melvin Carter (Saint Paul, MN), and Sumbul Siddiqui (Cambridge, MA), shedding light on the pivotal role of local leadership in creating a more just and equitable society the real-life challenges of trying to get by on a daily basis are at the heart of the film.
"It's Basic" is a must-see for anyone who cares about poverty, inequality, and the future of work. The film is an eye-opening look at the power of cash to transform lives and communities. It is a powerful call to action for policymakers to invest in guaranteed income to build a more just and equitable society.
A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE.
EDUCATIONAL dvd / DIGITAL SITE LICENSE
we are pleased to announce that AN EDUCATIONAL LICENSE FOR “it’s basic” IS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH VIDEO PROJECT HERE.
“Speaking to participants in programs from Los Angeles, California, to St Paul, Minnesota and Newark, New Jersey, Tubbs and Levin show the human side of guaranteed income – working, according to Tubbs, to dispel a 400-year myth over who is deserving of government aid and who is not.”
- The Guardian
“It’s Basic, a deeply moving new documentary about universal basic income, shows the shocking thing people do when the government hands them money with no strings attached: They help other people.”
- MovieMaker Magazine
“With great intimacy and hopeful stories, It’s Basic tracks the gathering momentum toward a philosophy of lifting up those who are struggling to survive in the world’s richest country.”
- Tribeca Film Festival
“It’s Basic” will enrage you. But it will also make you optimistic that the tide will turn, and that compassion and justice will one day prevail.”
- Boston Globe
LUCILLE O’QUINN
SAINT PAUL RECIPIENT
“Put a little gas in my tank, and I’LL SHOW YOU HOW FAR I CAN GO.”
MICHAEL TUBBS
founder, mgi
“The idea of a guaranteed income is as old as the nation itself and has deep roots in the fight for social justice.”
NATIONAL TOUR
The Guaranteed Income Works Tour
Blowback Productions is teaming up with Mayors for Guaranteed Income (MGI) and Counties for Guaranteed Income (CGI) as we hit the road to advocate for guaranteed income across the nation. Launching the groundbreaking Guaranteed Income Works National Tour, this campaign aims to build a movement, raise awareness, and foster persuasion through a series of events, including panel discussions, film screenings of our “It’s Basic” documentary and community conversations.
Kicking off the 16-month tour in Long Beach, CA, on June 30th, this nationwide tour will amplify the voices and stories of guaranteed income pilot recipients, sharing their experiences and shedding light on the benefits and existence of such programs in cities and counties throughout the country. We’re convening local mayors, elected partners, and story-telling recipients from coast to coast to foster conversations about the importance of expanding guaranteed income programs and restoring the expanded Child Tax Credit that significantly reduced child poverty rates.
50 CITIES
credits
LENGTH: 77 minutes | COUNTRY: United States | GENRE: Documentary
DIRECTOR MARC LEVIN
PRODUCER
DAPHNE PINKERSON
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER MICHAEL TUBBS
CO-PRODUCER AURIELLE AKERELE
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY ALLEN DOBBINS
EDITOR JOHN MAIDMAN
ORIGINAL MUSIC KHARI MATEEN
COORDINATING PRODUCER ELIZABETH SEHRING, MA EA
CREATIVE CONSULTANT KIMBERLIE A. MIILLE
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS ROBERT BROOKS
DANIEL LEVESQUE
ABOUT
INFO
A BLOWBACK PROUDCTIONS FILM
Blowback Productions was created by Marc Levin in 1988. He and his producing partner, Daphne Pinkerson, have made over 30 films which have won Emmys, duPonts, Cable Aces, and numerous other awards and accolades. They have told powerful real stories in a unique authentic style.
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