"An excellent and vivid introduction to one of the central challenges facing American democracy: the role of money in politics." Alex Keyssar, Professor of History and Social Policy, Harvard University

Note: There are two versions of this program on the same DVD: 58-minutes and 25-minutes.

PRICELESS examines the growing cost of federal elections, the impact of political campaign fundraising on members of Congress and on policymaking, and the citizen movement to limit the "undue influence" of large campaign donors.

This non-partisan film includes a look at two national policies - agriculture and energy - shaped by a variety of interests including industry groups, political parties, lobbyists, citizen groups, candidates and officeholders.

The filmmakers also look in on Arizona's pioneering "clean election" system as a possible alternative to the prevailing model - an optional reform attracting support from members of Congress in both parties. Commentators include elementary school students, "average" citizens, members of Congress, lobbyists, reform advocates, noted political observers and humorists. Amongst those interviewed are Alan Simpson, Mario Cuomo, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bill Bradley, Lawrence Lessig, Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), Charlie Stenholm, Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), Rep. Don Young (R-AK), Thom Hartmann, Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Bob Edgar.

Other best-selling films by Steve Cowan are Empty Oceans, Empty Nets, Farming the Seas, and Ancient Sea Turtles: Stranded in a Modern World.



Grade Level: 8-12, College, Adults
US Release Date: 2011     Copyright Date: 2011
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-909-7

Reviews "This film is a clear, well-documented and entertaining look at the way small farmers and our food supply are controlled and harmed by large corporations. It also illuminates the political power of corporate money. Big campaign contributions influence legislation affecting us every day, but Priceless offers hope that ordinary citizens can speak up and fight back. I have shown it in classes, and students responded enthusiastically. Everyone should see this film!" Dr. Joan D. Mandle, Executive Director, Democracy Matters, Associate Professor of Sociology, Colgate University "The film makers have somehow managed to produce a hard hitting, insightful account of the impact of special interest money on electoral politics, yet one that is highly entertaining. It is one of the fastest-paced, most enjoyable, and non-partisan political documentaries I have ever seen...By following the money trail, Priceless pulls back the curtain on how 'the game' is really played and arrives at the inescapable conclusion that special interests and the members of Congress they lobby and fund rarely promote the best interests of 'we the people.' Priceless could hardly be more timely and is a must-see film for any American concerned about the health of our democracy! It is suitable for and will be enjoyed by a wide audience, including high school and college students and a wider, general audience." Dr. Robert Watson, Professor of American Studies, Lynn University, Author, Campaigns and Elections: Issues, Concepts, Cases and Counting Votes: Lessons from the 2000 Presidential Election in Florida "Priceless tells the story of the pervasive influence of special interest money on our government in a clear, connect-the-dots way accessible to all audiences. It will be a superb tool in the classroom or meeting room for anyone who wants to educate our citizens about our broken campaign finance system. I know as a former elected official that my time would have been better spent studying issues and talking to my constituents rather than raising campaign funds. What I like best about Priceless is that by describing the Maine and Arizona model of campaign finance reform, a successful, workable solution is offered that would change the way our elected representatives approach domestic and international challenges of today." Miles Rapoport, President, Demos and The American Prospect, former Secretary of the State of Connecticut "An excellent and vivid introduction to one of the central challenges facing American democracy: the role of money in politics. Among its many virtues, Priceless makes clear that the American people are paying a large price--in cash and in policies that do not serve the public good--for a system in which our legislators spend an inordinate amount of time raising money for their campaigns and end up beholden to their large contributors. It would be hard to see this film and not conclude that things have to change--and soon." Alex Keyssar, Professor of History and Social Policy, Chair, Democracy, Politics and Institutions, Harvard University, Author, The Right to Vote: The Contested History of Democracy in the United States "Priceless is a thought provoking film that explains in an accessible way the impact of campaign contributions on public policy. The most compelling portions of the film are the extraordinarily frank interviews with lobbyists explaining the use of campaign contributions to affect decision-making at the highest levels of government." Frederick G. Slabach, President, Texas Wesleyan University, Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law, Texas Wesleyan Law School "Well produced and thoughtfully presented, this program is recommended to viewers interested in reforming our current political system." Stephen Hupp, West Virginia University, Library Journal "Examines the dysfunctional system in close detail...An eye-opening presentation especially recommended for high school, college, and public library collections." The Midwest Book Review "Priceless is an excellent study of the corrupting influence of money in congressional politics and its negative impact on both domestic and foreign policy...The film skillfully shows how campaign contributions lead to policy choices in Congress. Highly Recommended." Timothy Kneeland, Nazareth College of Rochester, Educational Media Reviews Online