Layer by layer, the episodic documentary Oeconomia reveals how the rules of the capitalist game systematically require growth, deficits and concentrations of wealth.
Language: German – subtitles: English
A clearly narrated and precise view into the innermost workings of the capitalist system. Director Carmen Losmann sets out to understand why over the past decades, in parallel with economic growth, debt has increased, and the gap between rich and poor has grown. Her attempts to make contact with those in the financial sector are incorporated into the film.
Speaking with insiders
Some telephone conversations had to be reenacted because those involved later decided that they preferred to remain anonymous or didn’t want to cooperate. For reasons of privacy or secrecy, other financial service providers simulate meetings or a conversation with a customer about a mortgage.
However, several significant insiders, such as the chief economist of the European Central Bank, do speak to Losmann, although they struggle to answer questions such as “Where does profit come from?” and “How is money created?” Losmann summarizes the essence in highly simplified diagrams. We see for example that growth depends on loans, but loans are only granted if growth is expected. The obvious question is whether this system is sustainable.
After the screening: live interview with professor of Economics
After the screening, prof. dr. Dirk Bezemer will join us for a live online discussion via live stream. Dirk Bezemer is Professor of Economics of International Financial Development at the University of Groningen. He leads a research team working on financial fragility, economic models and the causes and consequences of the financial crisis. In addition to academic publications, Dirk Bezemer co-wrote OECD, World Bank and UNCTAD policy reports. He is a frequent contributor to international and Dutch newspapers and television.
SG & USE registration
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Ticket information
This program will be streamed live to an online platform. Tickets are free, but to receive the viewing link you need to register beforehand. You’ll receive the link one hour before the start of the livestream. Please register by clicking the black ‘Bestellen’ button.
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