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When a US nonprofit introduces universal basic income in a Kenyan village, the inhabitants’ lives are forever changed, revealing the gap between idealism and life’s complexities. The filmmakers follow the project for years and juxtapose the story of the young Silicon Valley economists, who are convinced that they have found an infallible algorithm to end world poverty, with portraits of local Kenyans whose lives are being dramatically impacted for better and for worse.
Sam Soko is an award-winning director, producer, and editor based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is co-founder of LBx Africa, a Kenyan production company that works to bring uniquely African perspectives to global audiences. LBx Africa produced the 2018 Academy Award–nominated short Watu Wote. His first feature-documentary, Softie, a story about balancing a deep love for one's country with the needs of family, premiered at Sundance 2020, winning a special jury prize for editing. His satirical radio play, "The New Bwana," was produced and broadcast by BBC4. Soko is an outspoken defender of freedom of expression and has taken part in global conversations on how to make media matter when the world is on fire.
