We The Economy

Synopsis

Why is the law of supply and demand so powerful?
A whimsical tale of love, dance and the economic concept of supply and demand. Bored in class, Jonathan and Kristin are woken up by our friendly narrator who helps guide them on an adventure in economics and... um... dance.

Synopsis

How does Government regulate the economy?
In an idyllic suburban neighborhood, Jerry (Patton Oswalt) runs his big business lemonade stand and has the market cornered - until ten-year-old Addie (Taylor Buck) opens her own stand across the street. Competition equals war, and both sides use - and abuse - a government regulator (Mo Collins) to try and win. In the end, one special customer (Werner Herzog) will decide their fate.

Synopsis

What do banks do with our deposits?
You think that banks are where your cash is stored and safeguard and that a dollar bill is money. Well, you’re wrong. Like, really wrong.

Synopsis

What causes a recession?
Choreographed by Pilobolus dance company and narrated by economic historian John Steele Gordon, Lee Hirsch’s “Recession” mounts an entertaining and educational look at what causes an economic recession and how recovery is stimulated.

Synopsis

Why do we have budget deficits and a national debt?
In this free-wheeling animated film, you’ll see how Congress and public officials use and manage debt, and why it matters to you.

Synopsis

Why does the U.S. fund foreign aid?
The U.S. spends approximately $37 billion dollars a year on foreign aid - just under 1% of our federal budget. "The Foreign Aid Paradox" zeroes in on food aid to Haiti and how it affects American farming and shipping interests as well as Haiti’s own agricultural markets. The result: a surprising study in unintended consequences.

Synopsis

What is the global trade system?
What does it mean to have a globalized economy? And is it good for us? Bob Balaban wrangles seven experts to break it all down as a troupe of comedic actors enliven the commentary.

Synopsis

Is China’s boom good for our economy?
China is often portrayed as America’s greatest economic competitor and even accused of not playing fair. But is it possible they could be a key ally in U.S. economic development?

Synopsis

What do human rights have to do with the economy?
As consumers in a rapidly growing world economy, we have an insatiable appetite for the next greatest electronic gadget, like smartphones and TVs. But can we consume cheap imported products without exploiting someone in the supply chain?

Synopsis

Is inequality growing?
In a magical land inhabited by long lashed, multi-colored Alpacas who love lollipops, rainbows and friendship, there's a yawning divide in wealth distribution ... what's behind the inequality gap?

Synopsis

Why is minimum wage important?
In 2013, Seattle became ground zero for the heated national debate about increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour. "The Value of Work" gives voice to supporters and the opponents, including the mayor, an activist city councilwoman, small business owners, and minimum-wage workers affected by the unprecedented legislation.