I’m a supporter of smart documentaries delving into the world to reveal facts about things we knew parts about but, the truth is, there’s always more to know. Take a look at Blackfish, Inequality for All and many of Michael Moore‘s outlooks to name just a few.
The Divide is particularly relevant as it tells the story of 7 individuals striving for a better life in modern day USA and UK – where the top 0.1% owns as much wealth as the bottom 90%. By plotting these tales together, we uncover how virtually every aspect of our lives is controlled by one factor: the size and scale of the gap between rich and poor.
Today, we’ve got the announcement from Dartmouth Films and Literally Films, who have given a theatrical release of The Divide. Set to open in UK cinemas from 22nd April, the film seeks to expose the effect of the ever growing increase in inequality in the world. Directed by Katharine Round (The Citizens Network, London Recruits) and Executive Produced by Christopher Hird, MD of Dartmouth Films, The Divide is inspired by the critically-acclaimed, best-selling book “The Spirit Level” by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett.
In a world where the CEO of Walmart earns 1,000 times the average income of his sales assistants, this documentary urges the reader to take a stand against the ego-driven economy which puts profit ahead of principles. This isn’t based on real life, this is real life.
The Divide also features high-profile commentators including former economic adviser to Margaret Thatcher, Sir Alan Budd, historian Sir Max Hastings, economist Ha-Joon Chang, Noam Chomsky and epidemiologist Sir Michael Marmot.
Director Katharine Round said:
“When it comes to income and wealth inequality we are confronted with shocking statistics on a regular basis, but yet it seems we still we aren’t connected to what they really mean. The Divide has a simple premise: 7 people at different positions in the income spectrum across the USA and UK, their intertwining stories revealing how every aspect of their lives are affected by gross income inequality. There is no data in The Divide. There is no voice telling us what to think or what to do. The Divide is about seeing, and feeling, how very personal psychological levers are pulled in all of us by the dramatic shifts of income and wealth occurring under our noses.”
The Divide is in UK cinemas from 22 April 2016 – www.thedividedocumentary.com
