Daens

The late 19th century in Alost, a flourishing industrial town in the Flemish provinces. In the factories, an entire community of men, women and children are compelled to work thirteen hours a day under atrocious conditions. The industry must find a way to survive competition. The manager of the factory introduces the English system, but a young factory girl immediately calls for a strike. She enlists the support of a priest, Father Daens, who publishes an article describing the working and living conditions in Alost and its factories. The explosive text rocks the entire country, drawing the attention of the national parliament.