"This Is Not Financial Advice" Director Interview

The Rise and Fall of Speculative Crypto Investing: A Cautionary Tale

‍In the world of investing, the rise of social media has brought both opportunities and risks. This article delves into the upcoming feature documentary titled "This Is Not Financial advice," directed by Chris Temple. The film follows the journeys of four financial influencers as they navigate the roller coaster ride of speculative crypto investing, offering a cautionary tale for those entering this modern age of investment.

The Temptation of Quick Gains

‍The documentary captures the zeitgeist of early 2021 when the markets seemed to be soaring, and stories of friends making fortunes were rampant. Fueled by a collective sense of FOMO (fear of missing out), people like Chris Temple were drawn to explore the world of high-risk investments. Chris himself got caught up in the frenzy, investing in cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin and GameStop. This journey became a cathartic experience for him, as he discovered his own relationship with money and the temptations of FOMO.

Meeting Pro: The Dogecoin Millionaire

‍One of the film's central figures is Pro, a Brazilian immigrant living in a tiny apartment who bet his life savings on Dogecoin. Within 69 days, Pro turned his initial investment of ten dollars into a million dollars. However, instead of cashing out, he clung to his position, riding the roller coaster of gains and losses. Chris, as the filmmaker, found it challenging not to intervene or advise Pro to sell, but he captured the journey with authenticity.

The Characters and Their Diverse Approaches

‍Apart from Pro, the documentary introduces other individuals with varying approaches to investing. One is an investor who adheres to three principles: being slow, boring, and emotionally detached from money. He runs a local stock club in Long Beach, aiming to educate and uplift the local immigrant community through investing. The film also follows a father in rural Indiana, who makes significant financial bets, eventually selling his house and living in a storage unit. Lastly, Kayla Kilbride runs an Instagram and TikTok channel called "Girls Talk Stocks," working to demystify the often male-dominated crypto and investing culture.

The Changing Landscape of Financial Advice

‍As the film explores the stories of these investors, it highlights the democratization of money and the changing on-ramps to investing. Traditional stock investments are giving way to cryptocurrencies and even in-game currencies. Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube have become primary sources of financial information for younger generations. However, the challenge lies in distinguishing between legitimate financial advice, sponsored endorsements, and outright scams. The need for comprehensive financial education is evident to ensure individuals can navigate this landscape effectively.

The Psychology of Money

‍One of the key takeaways from the film is the psychology of money. Understanding the psychological triggers of greed and fear is crucial when making financial decisions. Chris Temple emphasizes the importance of separating emotions from money, enabling individuals to make sound financial choices. The book "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel is recommended as a resource for understanding these complex dynamics.

"This is not Financial Advice": The Film's Name Explained

‍The film's title, "This is not Financial advice," draws from a common phrase used across the community. It refers to the legal disclaimers individuals make when discussing investments while simultaneously offering advice. The film underlines the spectrum of financial advice, ranging from genuinely helpful guidance to sponsored advice and outright scams. By shedding light on this spectrum, the documentary aims to enhance financial literacy and empower viewers to make informed investment decisions.

Promoting Financial Education and Literacy

‍The filmmakers have a strong focus on impact-driven films and social issues. In this case, they intend to create educational campaigns around the film. The plan is to cut the documentary into learning modules and distribute them to three million students and 15,000 teachers. This initiative seeks to address the lack of financial education in schools, where many graduate without fundamental knowledge of personal finance. Partnering with organizations like Next Gen Personal Finance, Financial Beginnings, and Investopedia, the aim is to provide comprehensive financial education to marginalized communities, including black and brown communities disproportionately affected by crypto-related losses.

The Future of the Film

‍After premiering at Tribeca, the film's team is working on selling the distribution rights. They have received positive reviews and feedback, generating excitement for a global release on streaming platforms. The timeless nature of the story and its universal relevance make it a film that should reach audiences worldwide.

This Is Not Financial Advice offers a cautionary tale about the risks and rewards of speculative crypto investing. Through the stories of four individuals, the documentary explores the emotional and psychological aspects of investing, the impact of social media, and the need for comprehensive financial education. By delving into these themes, the film aims to empower viewers to make informed financial decisions and navigate the ever-changing landscape of investments.

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