Environmental, Racial, and Economic Injustice, Animal Cruelty, Corporate Greed
The Smell of Money—that’s what Big Pork calls the stench of pig waste in the air in
eastern North Carolina, where much of the world’s bacon and barbecue is made. But
to Elsie Herring and others who live near the state’s giant pig factories, the revolting
odor is a call to battle against generations of injustice.
When a corporate hog farm moves in––uninvited––on land her grandfather had
purchased after claiming his freedom from slavery, Elsie Herring decides to fight back.
But as her rural community becomes the epicenter of the pork industry’s explosion in
America, Elsie’s struggle to save her family’s home and heritage turns into a battle
against one of the world’s most powerful companies and its deadly pollution.
After decades of intimidation and defeat, Elsie and her community team up with a gutsy
small- town lawyer to take the world’s largest pork company to court.An epic, nine-year
legal battle ensues, and the residents risk everything to reclaim their rights to clean air,
pure water, and a life free from the stench of shit.
A story about the power of love for one’s family and community to triumph over even
the largest forces of injustice, The Smell of Money calls upon viewers to see the people
behind what’s on our plates––and to join the fight for a better future for us all.
Note: Due to technical limitations with Zoom, this film will be shown in Sandburg Hall only. If
you intend to attend the film, please RSVP to Charlie Wussow at mnpopi@icloud.com.
Watch the trailer here. Runtime 84 min
Justice Ministry Film Night Friday, April 12th, 7 PM
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville
One Edwin Place, Asheville, NC 28801