Life and Debt

Synopsis

Jamaica, land of sand, sea and sun... and a prime example of the complexities of economic globalisation on the world's developing countries.

With twenty-five years of "help" from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank intended to bring Third World nations such as Jamaica into the fold of free market economies, these restructuring policies have crippled Jamaica's efforts toward self-reliant development while enriching the lenders. This scathing film is an unapologetic look at the new world order from the point of view of Jamaican workers and farmers, as well as government and policy officials.

Featuring a dynamic reggae soundtrack and a searing voice-over based on text by Jamaica Kincaid, as well as interviews with former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley, former Deputy Director of the IMF Stanley Fischer and former President of Haiti Jean-Bertrand Aristide, LIFE AND DEBT portrays the relationship between Jamaican poverty and the practices of international lending agencies while driving home the devastating consequences of globalisation.

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Reviews

"Powerful!...The movie offers the clearest analysis of globalization and its negative effects that I've ever seen"

THE NEW YORK TIMES

"A must-see film"

THE NEW YORK OBSERVER

"Mandatory viewing for anyone interested in globalisation"

THE GUARDIAN

"brilliant"

BBC MOVIES

"A timely, powerful work"

WHAT'S ON

"engaging... incisive... Life and Debt is a very powerful weapon in the arsenal of the global movement for a more equitable economic order."

LINTON KWESI JOHNSON