|
About
Our working group is researching for the production of a documentary,
focusing on alternative economic and banking models that are being
used, that have been used and could be used, other than the standard
system of capitalism under the ideologies of neo-liberalism in
Canada. Analysis and definitions of the banking system, the history
of its development and its relations to global governance, neo-liberalism,
and capitalism will be necessary to showcase how and why the systems
in which we work in are not working for everybody, and thus, giving
reasoning for viable alternatives.
Objectives:
1. To explore and define the problems and limitations of our
current banking system by going through the history and development
of currency as a means of (global and local) trade and commerce.
How do our past and current economic models support and interact
with the banking system? How are interest rates determined? What
loopholes exist (if any) that those in already prosperous economic
positions may or have take[n] advantage of, or that restrict those
in more desperate financial situations? Have there been or are
there any plots or schemes by certain figures/families to control
the banking system?
2. To explore and define plausible alternatives to this system
- examples from the past, present and theoretical working models.
What variables and factors make these systems/models different
from each other (ranging in scale, its users/makers, time span
of its existence and use, etc.)? More or less efficient? How can
we implement these alternatives and what supporting legislation,
laws and perhaps societal, religious or psychological aspects
would have to be created, observed, or altered? What examples
will best exemplify and represent that particular model? (Some
examples: Calgary community currency dollars, Winnipeg's Mondragon
Café, which has ran the past seven years by Participatory
Economics, Credit Unions, barter and trade collectives, Non-interest
banking in Sweden, and many more) How do sustainable and ethical
business practices influence alternative models?
3. To examine how to best present acquired information to the
widest range of audience, and in the most captivating and simple
way possible. I will be looking into narrative, satirical, and
cinema verité forms to communicate the information.
4. To present the research (especially on how the system works,
and its history) as objectively and fact-based as humanly possible.
Other Considerations In Research:
- Canadian sovereignty, especially in case of neighbouring US
- Environmental sustainability vs market profits - How to combine
activism, social awareness, and business - Responsible and 'moral'
business wheelin' and dealin'
Results & Future Plans:
With these purposes at hand, and any others that may arise during
research, the plan is to make a feature documentary, or series,
that will be able to be used in educational facilities as well
as speak to a television audience.
After the preliminary research has been done, and a developed
and finalized treatment has been formed (expected by the beginning
of summer, 2005), we will begin the production stage. I will be
searching for funding for production through various grants, and
private (although not commercial) investors. I will also be looking
for the most suitable and skillful crew for this project, to be
shot on digital video.
We will also be looking into the possibility of developing a
publication that highlights the important points and findings
of the research, with a listing of any alternative systems with
services available in the provinces/territories. The book made
will also be support material to accompany the film.
I expect the project in full to be completed in two years.
About the Director: (Sheryle Carlson)
coming soon...
Project Sponsors:
|
