Daens, FilmAfternoon

34 years after its release, 'Daens' makes its comeback in Belgian cinemas. The 1992 film by Stijn Coninx tells the poignant story of priest-politician Adolf Daens and his fight against social injustice in Aalst at the end of the 19th century. Aalst, 1888. After a conflict with Bishop Stillemans, priest Adolf Daens returns to his hometown. He moves in with his brother Pieter, publisher of the 'Land Van Aelst'. The textile industry in Aalst is under great pressure from foreign competition. Fabrieksdirecteur Borremans fires half of his workers, an approach supported by Charles Woeste, chairman of the Katholieke Partij. However, the layoffs hit hard. Daens notices this when he ends up in the Scholliers family, where Nette, just 17, has to provide for the bread on the table. Daens denounces the abuses in the factories in an article in 'Het Land Van Aelst', after which a committee has to investigate the situation... Director: Stijn Coninx Genre: drama, thriller 110’