Libby, Montana (2004)

Nestled below the rugged peaks of the Northern Rockies and along the crystal-clear Kootenai River lies the small logging town of Libby, Montana - an ironic setting for a town where many ... See full summary »

Directors:

Drury Gunn Carr, Doug Hawes-Davis

Storyline

Nestled below the rugged peaks of the Northern Rockies and along the crystal-clear Kootenai River lies the small logging town of Libby, Montana - an ironic setting for a town where many hundreds of people are sick or have already died from asbestos exposure.

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Plot Keywords:

asbestos | social documentary | modern west | environmental issues | pacific northwest

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Genres:

Documentary | History

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Details

Official Sites:

High Plains Films PBS [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

November 2004 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

High Plains Films, Janson Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Color:

Color Black and White

User Reviews

Very well made film.

Saw this at the USA Film Festival in Dallas. The film shows conclusively that the WR Grace Company knew for years about how dangerous the conditions in its mining operation were, but they did nothing to warn their employees. When the EPA came in and examined the workers, and their homes and families, the extent of the asbestos exposure was extremely high, descending through three generations. When it became clear that the company would be held liable, they declared bankruptcy, after apparently shuffling their assets off to another entity to protect their billion dollar profits. We also see the frustration of employees of government agencies, who must balance the well being of people they have come to regard as friends against the realities of their budget constraints.