This film seeks to provide an understanding of the history of monetary imperialism through a consideration of currency used by francophone African countries that was tied to the French franc. Initially rolled out in the 1940s, the Colonies françaises d'Afrique (CFA—“French colonies of Africa”) franc was linked to and controlled by the colonial power. Behind the facade of creating economic sovereignty, the CFA franc provided France with economic incentives that continued to build the wealth of the nation long past its presence on the continent. African scholars and economists question the infantilized, unstable economies the currency—now rebranded Communauté financière africaine (“African financial community”)—perpetuates as their former colonizer reaps the benefits. With ambitions of disbanding and stopping circulation of the CFA franc, this documentary outlines what economic freedom should look like with the potential future of new currencies monitored and controlled by each nation. Samah Ali
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Industry All-Access, Conference & Networking, and Conference Pass holders can obtain tickets online from 9pm the night before the screening until one hour before the start time; tickets can also be obtained at the venue box office on the day of the screening.