Have you noticed the rise in business and human rights films? 🎬
I still remember the early ones.
The Constant Gardener came out the same year John Ruggie was appointed by Kofi Annan to define what human rights meant for business. The film was a reference to the 1990s meningitis drug trials in Nigeria—where a pharma company (Pfizer) used Trovan without informed consent, leading to deaths and other health issues. (Abdullahi v. Pfizer, Inc.) I remember watching this on a flight to Kenya and the air hostess coming to see if I was OK since I had tears streaming down my face!
Then there’s the legendary Erin Brockovich, portrayed by Julia Roberts, where Erin fights tirelessly to prove that the “safe” chromium dumped by an energy company (Pacific Gas & Electric - PG&E) poisoned the water in Hinkley, California. The result? A record-breaking $333 million settlement in 1996. Here are my two favourite scenes—because it’s Friday, and you’re welcome: here and here
More recently, we have Dark Waters, with Mark Ruffalo as lawyer Robert Bilott, exposing DuPont’s knowledge that its “forever chemicals” (PFOA, used in Teflon pans) caused cancer and birth defects.
And She Said, which follows New York Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey as they uncover decades of sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein—and its devastating, long-term impact on victims.
Now, I’ve just finished two must-watch series that everyone’s talking about in the UK.
🔸 Toxic Town – one of the UK’s biggest environmental scandal to date. When Corby’s steelworks shut down in the 1980s, toxic waste from the demolition was mishandled, contaminating the town. I won’t say more so I don’t spoil it for you. After finishing it, I highly recommend watching the real life videos of the women portrayed in the film. I am in awe.
🔸 Adolescence – a series of the moment tackling some important issues of our time - online hate and bullying, toxic masculinity and the rise of manfluencers. This topic is more timely now than ever in light of how Meta and other online platforms are dismantling online protections, all while online platforms are increasingly used to spread hate and misogyny. (e.g. Spotify just agreed to remove Andrew Tate’s ‘podcast’).
I love these films based on real-life stories because they bring the business and human rights world to life for a wider audience. Because they demonstrate how real change starts with brave people.
💥 Brave people who speak up about the harm they’re living through
💥 Brave people who use the laws to fight for justice—for the greater good but often at immense personal cost
💥 Brave people in government who challenge the status quo
💥 Brave people inside companies who push for human rights respect and remedy
We read all the latest reports on these topics as part of our content hub. Environmental destruction and its human impact? This is not slowing down but rapidly escalating. The need for action has never been greater.
Oh, and did you think I’d finish this post without mentioning the … Omni … bus? 😏
Yes, we were in Brussels. Yes, the discussions were rich. And yes, we told you we had your back, and we do - see here for the fuller post and see here for our LinkedIn summary.
We also convened a practitioner gathering for companies - we see a lot of consistency between the RBA/EPP conference and our practitioner discussion - see here
What are your must-watch films in this space? 🎥 Do send them to me and I’ll compile a list for all!
Have a good weekend,
Anna ⭐
