Common Wealth - Documentary (Post-production finance)

COMMON WEALTH is a feature length documentary that tackles the subject of wealth inequality, and the plausible alternatives that exist to a more prosperous society for all—not a few.

As the film’s writer/director and producer, it’s been my privilege and duty as a husband, and father of two beautiful daughters to better understand the world we live in, and in particular the future that lies ahead for them. By nature, my curiosity as a filmmaker led me to this moment of what I believe was divine intervention. In the past twenty years, outside my filmmaking career I’ve speculated the full spectrum of financial markets, from property through to stocks, foreign exchange, precious metals and in more recent years, crypto.

I’m a big believer in hard work. A strong work ethic is something that’s of upmost importance to me. It’s how I was raised. I believe that those who work hard and take risks deserve to reap the rewards of their labour.

However, I’m also a believer in compassion—the right for all to live with a sense of dignity. The right to have clean water and food. The right to provide decency, opportunity and prosperity for individuals and their families.

(scene from COMMON WEALTH -- filmed in Pienza, Italy)

What’s become evident to me through all of this, is that we live under a system that could easily be compared to a form of modern day slavery. The invisible shackles of debt, enslaving humanity for the benefit of a few has become all too normalised. As has the normalisation of political systems that don’t serve the people. It’s certainly not a life that I want for my children. Perhaps you feel the same?

But what’s the alternative? And is there one?

Yes. I can confidently suggest there are alternatives. I spent four months during 2023 travelling eight countries with a film crew asking that very question: what plausible alternatives exist that could create more prosperity in the world?

I sat down with dozens of clever minds across the globe in hope of understanding what real options exist. From economists, authors, to politicians, comedians and Oscar-winning actors. It was the experience of a lifetime. The film is now "in the can", with filming 100% complete. To date the film has been privately financed, Executive Produced by Phillip J Anderson (of Property Sharemarket Economics). This is the first time in my twenty year career I'm looking to raise completion funds via donation in a bid to retain the film's independent heart and integrity.

It’s been my agenda from the outset of this film to not have an agenda. Too often documentary films in modern times wish to push a particular mindset or way of thinking—often derived from institutional or political finance. This film will remain neutral—as a simple reflection of my experiences, permitting an audience to think and decide for themselves. Ultimately it’s my hope to encourage people to think outside the box—to ask questions—to question the status quo.

(scene from COMMON WEALTH -- exploring the richest to the poorest in Italy)

COMMON WEALTH follows me, Kane Guglielmi as a curious filmmaker—with no political background or affiliation, no economic background, nor University degree—around the world asking simple questions trying to better understand economic and political models that exist that could dramatically change our world, for the better.

I believe in a world that’s not bound by divisive labels. I believe we have more in common with our neighbour than what the system would have us believe. I believe in a political system that is of true, authentic service to the people. I am neither right nor left. I fundamentally believe the system is broken, and merely wish to see a world with more peace and prosperity for all. Perhaps that may resonate as idealistic. But why the hell shouldn’t we try?

As of 2022, I relocated to a regional pocket of Australia on a small organic hobby farm with my wife and daughters. We homeschool and homestead.

This film is not just for them, but for your family, too. We live in extremely interesting and often confusing times. It’s easy to feel powerless in a bid to seek global change. This is the fundamental reason why I chose to embark on this journey—to share (for the first time) my extremely personal story in a vulnerable way in hope of connecting an international audience to a subject matter they may not otherwise explore. The medium of film is extremely powerful, and is an incredibly valuable opportunity and privilege to share thought and ideas.

While sharing my findings of economic and political alternatives, my primary focus is to share an underlying message of love, and selflessness. It’s a personal journey that follows my early life traumas through to my current position. It will be a heartfelt piece that not only looks at the physical effects of wealth inequality, but the mental health impacts, too. After eighteen months on this journey (to date), it’s my conclusion that the only way to see more prosperity in the world is through the collective power of selflessness.

I hope you’ll join me in being part of sharing this incredibly timely and important message. Our target completion date is early 2025 with the ambition to play the festival circuit throughout the year with an aim to release via a reputable global distribution partner.

Best wishes,

Kane Guglielmi

Managing Director

Darkwood Entertainment Pty Ltd