Documentary to be screened at UMKC,
Q&A with filmmaker to follow
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Local movie-goers are likely to see a familiar face in the award-winning documentary, “Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve.” University of Missouri-Kansas City Economics and Law Associate Professor Bill Black is one of several experts featured in the recently released film.
The university will host a free screening of “Money for Nothing” at 5 p.m., Oct. 21, in the Student Union’s theatre, 5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
The film’s director, Jim Bruce, will be on hand afterward for a question and answer session. UMKC Economics Professors Stephanie Kelton, Randall Wray and Bill Black will also take part in the session.
“Money for Nothing” is a documentary about the Federal Reserve that, according to the film’s website, seeks to unveil America’s central bank and its impact on our economy and our society. Black is one of dozens of officials featured in the film. He is an Associate Professor at UMKC, the former executive director of the Institute for Fraud Prevention from 2005-2007, and author of the book “The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One.” An updated version of the book will be published in January.
Black is frequently interviewed by local, national and international media. “Money for Nothing” marks Black’s fifth appearance on the big screen. He also appeared in Michael Moore’s “Capitalism: A Love Story.”
“The failure to prosecute the elite bank frauds who led the mortgage fraud epidemic is absolutely shocking. We can’t let this injustice go unquestioned. Films like “Money for Nothing” do the important job of helping bring these issues into the forefront,” Black said.
The event will be sponsored by the Department of Economics and the Economics Club.
The UMKC Economics Department has a history of going against traditional approaches to economic theory. Using many of the theories and logic expounded in Post-Keynesian economic theory, UMKC economics professors correctly predicted the U.S. housing market crash, the recession and the Eurozone debt crisis. Their work is touted in national and international media — including a few unexpected outlets. Last year, the department was the focus of a five-page article in Playboy Magazine.
The department also has a history of engaging and informing the community through free public events. The upcoming panel discussions will continue that tradition.
“We want people in this community to get a better understanding of the country’s true economic challenges. These discussions will cut through the rhetoric that often clouds conversations about the economy” Kelton said.
“Money for Nothing” has been named the Official Selection of the Nantucket and Vancouver International film festivals.
About UMKC
The University of Missouri-Kansas City, one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, and celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2013. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.
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