Events Calendar

The Petoskey Film Theater will be showing the film "Made in Dagenham" on Wednesday and Friday, April 13 and 15, 7:30 pm at the Petoskey District Library, Carnegie Building (old library). Donations are appreciated.

This film is based on the true story of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant (in England), where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination and fought for equal pay.

Who would think a movie about an automakers strike could be so entertaining and even moving? "Made in Dagenham" is simply brilliant. Rita O'Grady (Sally Hawkins) finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the limelight when she becomes the leader of a strike by the women who sew the upholstery for a Ford factory in Dagenham, England -- a strike that, thanks largely to the efforts of management and unions alike to dismiss it, turns into a struggle over equal pay for women. But because of a smart and subtle screenplay, understaded direction, and above all outstanding performances by the entire cast -- also featuring Rosamund Pike, Miranda Richardson, and Bob Hoskins -- "Made in Dagenham" never stops being about people, even as its political scope widens.

Every step is grounded in human relationships, among the striking women, between Rita and her husband, between the wife of a factory manager and a floor worker. The movie skillfully balances issues of class and gender equality and makes you care deeply about them -- and about these people struggling for basic fairness. And it's funny, sad, and genuinely stirring. Simply a marvelous movie, not to be missed.

For more information on upcoming films call the PFT Movie Hotline at (231) 758-3108. To receive weekly email updates send an email to petoskey.film.theater2@gmail.com.