Power Trip (film)

Power Trip is a 2011 documentary film directed by Paul Devlin. The film follows American businessman Paul Freeland, owner of a small Georgia power company, as he attempts to install electricity meters in the Republic of Georgia, a country grappling with corruption and inconsistent power supply in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The documentary chronicles Freeland's initial optimism and ambition as he wins a $10 million contract to replace old, easily bypassed electricity meters. It then details the numerous obstacles he faces, including widespread corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, cultural differences, and the challenges of working within a complex political landscape.

Power Trip offers a critical perspective on globalization, privatization, and the complexities of international business ventures in transitional economies. It explores themes of cultural misunderstanding, the unintended consequences of well-intentioned interventions, and the human cost of economic reforms. The film highlights the difficulties of implementing Western business models in environments where corruption and a lack of reliable infrastructure are endemic.

The film received generally positive reviews and has been screened at various film festivals. It is recognized for its insightful portrayal of the challenges and frustrations encountered when attempting to implement business solutions in a post-Soviet nation struggling with its transition to a market economy.