MPT to air documentary In Money We Trust? on Sunday, April 7

Maryland Public Television (MPT) will air In Money We Trust? – a film that answers the question “What is money?” in an entirely new way – on Sunday, April 7 at 7 pm. The one-hour documentary is based on the book “Money: How the Destruction of the Dollar Threatens the Global Economy – and What We Can do About It,” coauthored by Steve Forbes and Elizabeth Ames.

In a narrative that begins in ancient times and takes viewers to the present day, In Money We Trust? explains how the invention of money 2,500 years ago provided a shared measure of value that facilitated trade and cooperation among strangers. Sound, trustworthy money has fueled human achievement – from the emergence of philosophy to the high-tech revolution. The film also explores the destructive consequences that ensue when inflation or other forms of instability cause money not to be trusted. In the most extreme instances, such as in Weimar Germany or present-day Venezuela, the economy – and social order – collapse.

On the heels of the 10th anniversary of the 2008 financial crisis, this timely documentary shows how the loss of trust in money during modern times has given rise to cryptocurrencies, greater income inequality, and social turmoil. The film asks more than 20 distinguished experts questions including “Should we make reforms or stay with the current monetary system?” and “Where do we go from here?” Among those interviewed are Alan Greenspan and Paul Volcker, former Federal Reserve chairmen; Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief, Forbes Media; and Adam Fergusson, author of “When Money Dies,” the definitive history of the Weimar Republic’s hyperinflation.

“In Money We Trust? is a rare exploration of how money functions in the economy and why its stability is essential not only to prosperity but also to social trust,” said Steve Forbes.

The program is being distributed nationally by the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). It is a co-production of Maryland Public Television, Our Town Films, and BOLDE Communications.

Additional information about the film, including web extras, a companion reading list, and glossary of terms is available at InMoneyWeTrust.org.

The film is made possible in part by Mutual of America, BNSF Railway Company, The Washington Examiner, and the Foundation for Individual Liberty through Joan Carter and John Aglialoro. Additional support comes from Jeff Yass, Joe Ricketts, Baron Capital Foundation, Sean Fieler, Hillwood Development Company, and United Refining Company through John Catsimatidis, CEO.