Poverty, Inc.

I heard about this film from the Tom Woods Show podcast. I was somewhat aware of the issues of foreign aid distorting the economies of poor countries, but this film really lays it out clearly. Highly recommended.

Our organization hosted a local screening to a sold out crowd. After the film, 100 people felt compelled to stick around for an hour and talk about the implication of what we just saw. It is powerful, and simple. Everyone from high school students to college professors to business owners will be able to act on the message of this film.

This documentary exposes massive self-enriching corruption in the large charity industry, politics and evil in international aid, and accidental, well-meaning cruelty in the actions small charity groups. The filmmakers went to many countries in the third world and interviewed dozens of people to prepare for this documentary: a deep, interwoven group of stories exposing the deep flaws in the way we currently do charity. Solutions (at least in categories) are suggested, so it does not leave us without hope or discourage us from doing charity.

Drawing on real-world experience throughout the world, this shows how well-intentioned efforts to fight poverty can have very negative unintended consequences. Example: if you buy one pair on shoes from US manufacturer, they will provide 1 free pair of shoes to 3rd world nation. But....since there were shoe makers already in the 3rd world, this has the effect of destroying their business and making the 3rd world less self-reliant. Film isnt negative since it also shows alternatives to providing aid that really can help less developed world. Not for those seeking simple answers but great film for those who seek to know more about the rest of the world.

This movie addresses high levels of ideologies surrounding lifting people out of poverty and growing economies. It pins a few organizations (one-for-one) model and big GIK and government AID as the systemic issues keeping communities stuck in poverty. To say that charity’s and NGO’s prolong poverty is a broad stroke and to even tie NGO’s involvement with the local government’s interest is short sided. Yes, poor people suffer from well intentioned charity programs. More importantly though, understanding that poverty is extremely complex… It is important to understand that there are extremely well intentioned and positioned non government organizations that are not western driven, but indigenous to their own country that are making a significant impact in the lives of extremely vulnerable people. These organizations are driving hope by creating local economic opportunity and bringing development into communities completely neglected by governments and outside relief. It’s movies like this that paint one-sided pictures and have broad strokes in their narratives that can be dangerous. No where in this movie is there suggestions on new direction or tribute to NGO’s or charities for their work in finding successful development paths. Some charities and NGO’s strive to work themselves out of jobs and innovate to help further see the MDG’s come to life. This movie is proof that their are biased agendas. Poverty Inc, I hope you can honestly put forth a more balanced objective documentary next time. Sad to see you collectively bash some really good names in this piece.

"Little-by-little we go very far..."

Thoughtful and well directed

If you are going to watch only one documentary this year make sure it's this one. The very people we think we are helping in impoverished countries through aid agencies are being crushed and held back. Imperialism is alive and well and is exposed in this powerful documentary. Liberals and Conservatives alike will find common ground and if this is seen by enough people will hopefully provoke enough thought to change this version of Neo Colonialism.

Maybe the most important document I've ever watched. Not just one of the most compelling, but also the kind of film which can actually change things. But be prepared to get angry at a system which purrports to help the poor, but exploits them as badly as the worst sweat shop.

This film is thought-provoking and very well made. Its well-presented perspective has ramifications far beyond the realm of nations impoverished by national emergencies, so I highly encourage you to watch it to develop your own opinion about nonprofits in general.