

BEST DOCUMENTARY - Manhattan Film Festival | OFFICIAL SELECTION - Harlem International Film Festival
Finances • Money • Economic Justice • Empowerment, Autonomy, and Freedom • Opportunity for the Under-Classes • Privilege and Equity
Date of Completion: 2025 | Run Time: 85 minutes | Language: English with English subtitles | Captions: Yes | Includes: Transcript | Directors: David Kuhn & Lauren Sieckmann | Producer: David Kuhn, p.g.a. | Cinematographer: Tom Bergmann | Sound: Nikola Chapelle | Editors: Jason Pollard & Daniel Fetherston | Composer: Robert Miller
Bitcoin has been controversial since its mysterious release by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. Some say Bitcoin is only comprised of a small minority of anarchist computer nerds, or that it supports criminal activity as just another Ponzi scheme. Others herald the arrival of Bitcoin as financial freedom for the masses after years of abuse by a centralized banking cartel. Is Bitcoin a myth or a pathway to mass monetary self-determination?
In UNBANKED, we’ll follow the money, literally, as we learn from major voices, including Michael Saylor, Meltem DiMirors, Alex Gladstein, Mike Novogratz, Arthur Hayes, Jack Dorsey, Brian Brooks, Nic Carter, Peter Schiff, Erik Voorhees, Sen. Ted Cruz and Sigal Mandelker. Production locations include the USA (feat. Harlem), Argentina, London, Portugal, Central America, Nigeria and Ghana.
In the endless cycle of fees and information piracy, Bitcoin promises an exit from perpetual inflation, rising prices, and abuse from above. Will people adopt it widely enough to fix the fundamental financial architecture, and trade back convenience for trust, self-determination, and freedom to choose? UNBANKED explores these questions and more because, simply put, our future depends on it.
Coin Stories | Natalie Brunell, Journalist and Educator
"Uplifting. Inspiring. Unforgettable. If you care about the future of money and human freedom, don’t miss this. Watch it now!”
AWARDS
Best Documentary | Manhattan Film Festival
FESTIVALS
Harlem International Film Festival