Independent Lens Season 22 Episode 15 The People vs. Agent Orange

The People vs. Agent Orange is an eye-opening documentary that delves into the devastating effects of one of the most notorious herbicides ever used - Agent Orange. The herbicide was notoriously employed by the US military during the Vietnamese War causing long-lasting damage to millions of people living in the areas affected by it. Now, decades later, a group of activists, lawyers, and scientists are fighting to hold the chemical companies that produced the toxic herbicide to account and make them pay for the harm it has caused.

The documentary starts by providing historical context and delving into what went wrong during the Vietnam War. The herbicide was meant to defoliate the dense jungle cover that was used by the North Vietnamese troops to hide from the US military. But the effects of the herbicides were far more extensive and long-lasting than anyone could have predicted. The herbicide, which was sprayed extensively over large areas during the war has caused genetic mutations, diseases, and disabilities such as Spina bifida, and other birth defects among people and animals exposed to it. The US military personnel who came into contact with Agent Orange are also believed to have been affected by it over the years.

The program follows the efforts of Tran To Nga, a 79-year old Vietnamese woman who served as a nurse during the war and was directly exposed to Agent Orange, to file a lawsuit against the chemical companies that produced and supplied the herbicide to the US military. The documentary explores the legal battle between Nga and the companies and goes behind the scenes of the landmark trial that took place in France in January 2021. Nga, who had spent years researching and gathering evidence to prove the harm caused by Agent Orange, took the chemical companies to court alleging that they knowingly produced and supplied a product that was highly toxic.

However, Nga's lawsuit was no easy feat. She had to contend with the companies' formidable legal teams, who were determined to disprove her allegations and protect their profits. The documentary shows how the trial unfolded and how the judge's verdict will have a far-reaching impact on the ongoing fight for justice for the millions of people affected by Agent Orange.

In addition to Nga's story, the program also features interviews with experts and activists who have been working tirelessly to expose the dangers of herbicides like Agent Orange. It explores how the chemical companies have historically denied any responsibility for the harm caused, citing the fact that their products were produced to meet the demand of the US military. The documentary also sheds light on how the US government has been slow to acknowledge the harm caused by Agent Orange to its military personnel and the civilians living in the war-torn areas.

Overall, The People vs. Agent Orange is a well-crafted documentary that highlights how the legacy of the Vietnam War has had long-lasting consequences for both the Vietnamese and American people. The film paints a vivid picture of how corporations can put profits over people, and how people can fight back against injustice, regardless of their age or status. The documentary leaves the viewer with a deeper understanding of the costs of war and underscores the need to hold organizations accountable for the harm they cause.