Guaranteed Basic Income: A Conversation with "It's Basic" director Marc Levin

SOUNDS with Tom Needham

In the upcoming episode of the SOUNDS podcast, director Marc Levin discusses his latest documentary, “It’s Basic,” which delves into the transformative impact of guaranteed income pilot programs across the United States. The film, executive produced by Michael Tubbs, the founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), examines how providing everyday people with an additional $500 to $1,000 per month, with no conditions attached, can offer financial stability and restore dignity. Through the personal stories of guaranteed income recipients, as well as insights from mayors like Melvin Carter (Saint Paul, MN) and Sumbul Siddiqui (Cambridge, MA), “It’s Basic” highlights how these programs are reshaping lives and communities. The documentary serves as a compelling call to action for policymakers to consider guaranteed income as a means to address poverty and inequality.

"It's Basic" is an official selection at the Port Jefferson Documentary Film Festival.

Marc Levin, known for his visceral and powerful storytelling, brings his signature style to “It’s Basic,” connecting viewers on an emotional and intellectual level. Throughout his illustrious career, Levin has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, the Camera d’Or at Cannes, and multiple Emmys and duPont-Columbia Awards. His past works, such as “SLAM,” “An American Bombing,” and “I Promise,” have solidified his reputation as a fearless filmmaker who tackles difficult social issues with authenticity and depth. “It’s Basic” continues this legacy, shedding light on the critical role of cash in transforming lives while emphasizing the importance of local leadership in the fight for a more equitable society.