Death and Taxes

Name: Death and Taxes
Director: Justin Schein
Released: 2024

Justin Schein 2024

Death & Taxes is a feature documentary about family, wealth, inequality, and the American Dream, seen through the lens of the estate tax and the personal story of a father and son divided over inheritance. Filmmaker Justin Schein’s father, Harvey, rose from Depression-era poverty to become a leading CEO of the 1970s, yet spent his final decades obsessed with shielding wealth from taxes—an obsession that strained the family. More broadly, the film reveals how inherited wealth and tax policy distort democracy, perpetuating inequity. Filmed over 20 years, it weaves family footage with voices from all sides.

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Running Time:

86 min.

Spoken Languages:

English

Subtitles:

English, Portuguese

Directors:

Justin Schein

Producers:

Robert Edwards, Yael Melamede, Justin Schein

Cinematographers:

Justin Schein

Editors:

Purcell Carson, Brian Redondo

Production Companies:

SHADOWBOX FILMS, SALTY Features

Additional Materials

Distribution Company

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