OWINGS MILLS, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In Money We Trust? – a film that answers the question “What is money?” in an entirely new way – premieres on public television across the United States beginning this month. Directed by Paul Sanderson, the one-hour documentary is based on the book “Money: How the Destruction of the Dollar Threatens the Global Economy – and What We Can do About It,” coauthored by Steve Forbes and Elizabeth Ames.
The program is being distributed by the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). It is a co-production of Maryland Public Television, Our Town Films, and BOLDE Communications. Information about the film, including a trailer, web extras, viewing schedule, and a companion reading list and glossary of terms, is available at InMoneyWeTrust.org.
In a narrative that begins in ancient times and takes viewers to the present day, In Money We Trust? explains how the invention of money 2,500 years ago provided a shared measure of value that facilitated trade and cooperation among strangers. Sound, trustworthy money has fueled human achievement – from the emergence of philosophy to the high-tech revolution. The film also explores the destructive consequences that ensue when inflation or other forms of instability cause money not to be trusted. In extreme instances, such as in Weimar Germany or present-day Venezuela, the economy – and social order – collapse.
On the heels of the 10th anniversary of the 2008 financial crisis, this timely documentary shows how the loss of trust in money has given rise to cryptocurrencies, greater income inequality, and social turmoil. The film asks more than 20 distinguished experts questions including “Should we make reforms or stay with the current monetary system?” and “Where do we go from here?” Among those interviewed are Alan Greenspan and Paul Volcker, former Federal Reserve chairmen; Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief, Forbes Media; and Adam Fergusson, author of “When Money Dies,” the definitive history of the Weimar Republic’s hyperinflation.
“In Money We Trust? is a rare exploration of how money functions in the economy and why its stability is essential not only to prosperity but also to social trust,” said Steve Forbes. “We are grateful to Maryland Public Television and our program sponsors for their support of this important documentary.”
Airings of the documentary are scheduled or have already taken place on public TV stations in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Tampa, Phoenix, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
Viewers interested in the documentary are encouraged to contact their local public television station to find out when it will be available in their area. A station locator is available at pbs.org/about/about-pbs/stations/.
The film is made possible in part by Mutual of America, BNSF Railway Company, The Washington Examiner, and the Foundation for Individual Liberty through Joan Carter and John Aglialoro. Additional support comes from Jeff Yass, Joe Ricketts, Baron Capital Foundation, Sean Fieler, Hillwood Development Company, and United Refining Company through John Catsimatidis, CEO.
About MPT
Launched in 1969, Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a nonprofit, state-licensed public television network and member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). MPT’s six transmitters cover Maryland plus portions of contiguous states and the District of Columbia. A frequent winner of regional Emmy® Awards, MPT also produces national television series and films, including MotorWeek, My Greek Table with Diane Kochilas, and TO DINE FOR with Kate Sullivan. In addition, MPT is known for producing the series Wall $treet Week with Louis Rukeyser, which ran nationally on public television for more than 30 years. For information visit mpt.org.
About Our Town Films
As producer/director and president of Our Town Films, Paul Sanderson has enjoyed considerable success in creating television documentaries and educational programs. Since founding Our Town Films in 1992, Mr. Sanderson has won more than 30 national awards, including nine CINE Golden Eagles. The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. has honored Mr. Sanderson by placing one of his films in its permanent collection. His programs have appeared on NBC, PBS, The Discovery Channel, A&E Network, The History Channel and CNBC. His films have premiered at Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian.
About BOLDE Communications
BOLDE Communications is a New York-based media consulting firm whose clients have included Forbes, MarketWatch, Dow Jones, Scientific American Magazine, Fast Company, Inc., Chief Executive Group, NERA Economic Consulting, The Haymarket Group, The Conference Board and others. Founder Elizabeth Ames is co-author of four books with Steve Forbes including “Money: How the Destruction of the Dollar Threatens the Global Economy – and What We Can do About It.”
