Mann V. Ford (HBO, 2011)

About Mann V. Ford (HBO)

'Mann V. Ford' is an HBO documentary film that was released in 2011. It cashes in on one of the largest environmental justice cases in the history of America. The Ramapough Mountain Indians' saga after Ford Motor Company dumped toxic wastes in their backyards, poisoning their community.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by HBO, under the expert direction of Maro Chermayeff and Micah Fink. It was an in-depth investigation into the complex case through a combination of interviews, historical footage, and court documents and took years to complete.

Actors

• Wayne Mann - He is the main subject of the documentary and one of Ramapough Mountain Indians' leaders. He played a critical role in leading the fight against Ford.
• Vicki Yeager - She is a social worker and a dedicated supporter of Ramapough Mountain Indians. Her role in the documentary highlighted the social and human rights angle to the environmental issue.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• 'Mann V. Ford' was one of the last HBO documentaries that Sheila Nevins, a legendary figure in the documentary world, green-lit before she stepped down from HBO after 38 years.
• The case highlighted in 'Mann V. Ford' is considered one of the most significant 'environmental justice' lawsuits in the history of the United States.

Quotes

• “There’s not a person that lives in this community that hasn’t lost somebody from cancer.” - Wayne Mann
• "They traded us glass beads. We got the smallpox. You guys got the United States of America. Who made out on this deal?" - Wayne Mann

Music, Soundtrack

• The story was underscored by a riveting original score by composers John E. Low and David Majzlin.
• The documentary also uses popular tracks from the era, such as 'Down In The Valley' performed by Otis Redding which set the backdrop of the time and the conditions of the mountain people.