Made in Dagenham

The 2010 British comedy-drama directed by Nigel Cole and written by William Ivory is based on the true story of the 1968 strike by female sewing machinists at the Ford plant in Dagenham, which became a landmark event in the fight for equal pay. The film centers on Rita O'Grady (Sally Hawkins), a working-class woman who, despite having no prior experience in activism, emerges as the leader of the movement after discovering that the women's skilled labor is unjustly classified as unskilled, resulting in lower wages. With the support of union representative Albert Passingham (Bob Hoskins), Rita challenges the company's management, union leadership, and the British government. Key allies include Secretary of State for Employment Barbara Castle (Miranda Richardson) and Lisa Hopkins (Rosamund Pike), the educated wife of a Ford executive who becomes aware of her own societal constraints. The film blends humor, emotion, and historical accuracy to depict how ordinary women effected significant legislative change, leading to the Equal Pay Act of 1970. The cast also features Geraldine James, Andrea Riseborough, Jaime Winstone, and Daniel Mays. The soundtrack includes 1960s hits and an original song performed by Sandie Shaw, a former Ford Dagenham employee. Praised by critics and nominated for four BAFTA Awards, the film stands as an inspiring portrayal of the struggle for social justice.