Watch Poverty, Inc.

Poverty, Inc. is a 2014 documentary written, produced, and directed by Michael Matheson Miller. The movie explores the impact that international aid and charity have had on developing countries, particularly in Africa. The movie is narrated by Robert Sirico, a Catholic priest, and the founder of the Acton Institute, a think-tank that advocates for free-market economics.

The central argument of the movie is that international aid has perpetuated poverty in developing countries by creating a culture of dependency. According to the movie, aid has created a situation where people are no longer motivated to work or innovate because they are reliant on handouts. Furthermore, aid has created a barrier to trade by flooding developing countries with cheap goods that undermine local businesses.

The movie explores the history of aid and how it came to be a cornerstone of international development in Africa. It argues that aid was originally intended to be a short-term measure to help countries recover from disasters or conflicts. However, it has since become a multi-billion-dollar industry that perpetuates poverty.

The movie also examines the role of NGOs in international development. It argues that NGOs have become too powerful and are often viewed as an alternative to the government. As a result, they have become less accountable and less effective in achieving their goals.

In addition, the movie looks at the impact of microfinance on developing countries. It argues that microfinance, while well-intentioned, has created a situation where people are taking on loans that they cannot afford to repay. This, in turn, has led to a cycle of debt that has only served to worsen poverty.

Throughout the movie, the filmmakers interview a range of experts, including economists, aid workers, and entrepreneurs. They also highlight examples of successful businesses that have been able to thrive despite the challenges faced by developing countries.

The movie concludes by suggesting that the best way to help alleviate poverty in developing countries is through entrepreneurship and trade. The filmmakers argue that by empowering people to create their own businesses, they can achieve long-term economic growth and self-reliance.

Overall, Poverty, Inc. is a thought-provoking documentary that challenges conventional wisdom about aid and development in Africa. While some of the arguments presented may be controversial, the movie provides a nuanced exploration of the issue and offers a compelling alternative vision for addressing poverty in the developing world.

Poverty, Inc. is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.