Miami Jewish Film Festival

Sapiro v. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford

Available in 18d 08h 32m 02s
Available January 19, 2026 3:00 PM UTC
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This film is eligible for the 2026 Miami Jewish Film Festival Audience Award! Watch the film and then cast your vote here.
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This fascinating film tells the riveting true story of Aaron Sapiro, a young Jewish lawyer who took on one of America’s most powerful men—and most notorious antisemites—Henry Ford. In the 1920s, as Ford’s anti-Jewish publications incited hatred across the nation, Sapiro filed an unprecedented libel suit, challenging the limits of hate speech long before such laws existed.


From his humble beginnings as an orphan in San Francisco to leading a nationwide movement empowering farmers, Sapiro’s life was a testament to courage, vision, and justice. Portrayed by Ben Shenkman (TV's hit show Billions), Sapiro’s words are presented in their entirety, filmed as if speaking directly to a modern audience. At the same time, historical experts illuminate the stakes of his confrontation with Ford.


In a David-versus-Goliath showdown, Sapiro forced the industrial titan to back down, issue an apology, and shutter his hate-filled newspaper, leaving a legacy that resonates today. As antisemitism rises and the struggle to balance free speech with protection against hate continues, Sapiro v. Ford examines the enduring question: how can societies confront power, prejudice, and propaganda while upholding justice?

  • Year
    2025
  • Runtime
    68 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Premiere
    World Premiere
  • Director
    Gaylen Ross, Michael Ross
  • Screenwriter
    Gaylen Ross, Carol King
  • Cast
    Hasia Diner, Victoria Saker Woeste, Jonathan D. Sarna, James Loeffler, Yair Rosenberg, Abraham Foxman
  • Cinematographer
    George Hupka, Bob Richman
  • Editor
    Gaylen Ross
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