The Smell of Money

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2:25

The Smell of Money

2023

1h 24m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

100%

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6 Reviews

95%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

A century after her grandfather claimed his freedom from slavery, Elsie Herring and her community fight for the right to clean air, water, and the life they were promised. The Smell of Money is the true story of everyday people versus corporate titans, in a battle with life or death consequences.

Megan Fisher

Loud and Clear Reviews

The documentary The Smell of Money shines a light on environmental racism in North Carolina, telling an important story in gripping, melancholic fashion.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 11, 2025

Full Review

Diane Carson

KDHX (St. Louis)

Employing a straightforward documentary approach, the case mounted leads to one conclusion... I for one will never be able to look at Smithfield bacon, Nathan’s hot dogs, or any of their brands without this reality uppermost in my mind.

Jan 17, 2024

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

The Smell of Money is a richly human and emotionally honest film that finds its power in its truth and in the straightforward testimony of the residents who've fought back.

Rated: 3.0/4.0

Dec 14, 2023

Full Review

Sarah Boslaugh

TheArtsStl

The Smell of Money lays bare a specific example of the tangled mess of economic and racial privilege which explains so much about why things happen the way they do in the United States.

Rated: 7/10

Dec 12, 2023

Full Review

Jordan Bond

Film Threat

This type of documentary is meant to bring awareness to a problem and serve as a call to action for its viewers. The Smell of Money does so effectively with disgusting footage of the hog farm practice and compelling testimony from residents.

Rated: 8/10

Dec 7, 2023

Full Review

Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

Enraging, illuminating and heartfelt. It will make you think twice before buying pork at the supermarket.

Oct 20, 2023

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Liz W

An eye opening film that exposes an unchecked industry. Heartbreaking but an important story to be told.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/15/23

Full Review

Shawn B

Thank you all for the positive feedback! It's been an incredibly long road. We're at almost 6 years since we started this adventure. We've had over 50 festival screenings and 100 impact/community screenings and we are just thrilled to finally be rated on Rotten Tomatoes!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now go watch the movie already and until the very, very end. You can do it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/15/23

Full Review

Taylor F

Such a powerful film, unlike any other I've seen in a long time. The story of a community fighting for clean air and clean water, it'll make you rethink what's on your plate. I'm so inspired by Elsie's story, it brought tears to my eyes many times.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/14/23

Full Review

Eric C

Engaging and compelling, sheds light on horrific environmental pollution practices targeting low income and bipoc communities. Must see!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/13/23

Full Review

Ashita B

Please watch this and please please stop hurting animals 🙏 this is going to change the way you think. Thank you for bringing the truth out in the light.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/13/23

Full Review

Claudia L

This is, hands down, the best and most important film I have ever seen. It is engaging, compelling, heart wrenching (in the best way), moving, motivating, and powerful. I can't think of a more important film for all Americans to see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/12/23

Full Review

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Shawn Bannon

Director

Jamie Berger

Writer

Shawn Bannon

Producer

Jamie Berger

Producer

Travon Free

Executive Producer

Kate Mara

Executive Producer

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The Smell of Money: Trailer 1

2:25

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Synopsis

A century after her grandfather claimed his freedom from slavery, Elsie Herring and her community fight for the right to clean air, water, and the life they were promised. The Smell of Money is the true story of everyday people versus corporate titans, in a battle with life or death consequences.

Director: Shawn Bannon
Producer: Shawn Bannon, Jamie Berger
Screenwriter: Jamie Berger
Production Co: Beyond The Pines
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 2023, Limited
Runtime: 1h 24m

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