Directors/Producers: Graham New, Leo Safir, Oliver Richards

Description:

In 2021, El Salvador made history as the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. For some, Bitcoin has been a financial gambling asset, however, a class of fervent Bitcoin believers have migrated to El Salvador, with hopes to create a sovereign monetary future. Through vivid interviews and immersive storytelling, “The Market and the Monkey’s Paw” takes viewers into the heart of El Salvador, weaving together the perspectives of market vendors, Bitcoin educators and passionate community members navigating this new reality. The documentary delves into the complexities of economic inclusion, tourism, gentrification and the ethics of digital financialization, raising critical questions about who truly benefits in this evolving monetary system.

Biography:

Graham New is a California based photographer and filmmaker. He is an avid traveler and explorer who is constantly looking for inspiration in the environment around him. Having grown up in Oaxaca, Mexico, Graham has a slew of unique experiences that have shaped and defined his creative perspectives and inspirations. Because of this, he strives to find unique experiences so he can learn from them and share them with the world. He is thankful for an amazing opportunity to connect with and give a voice to the people who are often left out of the conversation.

Leo Safir is an undergraduate researcher and filmmaker at the University of California, Santa Barbara, studying global studies. He has a passion for travel, culture, as well as art and music. This project has been an illuminating journey, understanding the economic and social reality of the beautiful country of El Salvador. He hopes this project will share the reality, beyond tourism, of a largely overlooked nation.

Oliver Richards is a California based filmmaker and producer. He has a deep desire to travel the world and experience all the beauty it has to offer. He aims to tell stories that give voice to people who feel voiceless in such a noisy world. As producer he emphasized that Leo’s vision be executed as truthfully and accurately as possible which was achieved through the priorititization of all the people involved, specifically the participating El Salvadoran community. 

Contact Information:

e: graham@grahamnewmedia.com 
w: www.grahamnewmedia.com/TheMonkeysPaw