34 years since it was first released in 1992 one of the best-known and most critically acclaimed Flemish films is making a comeback in the cinemas. Director Stijn Coninx's film tells the compelling story of the 19th century priest and politician Adolf Daens. Father Daens fought against injustice and the subjugation of the working class in the East Flemish city of Aalst
Stijn Coninx told VRT News that is pleased that thanks to the rerelease the film will now reach a new younger audience. Over the years Daens has been shown several times on TV. However, now the public will be able to enjoy a 2017 restored version of 1992 classic as it was meant to be seen, in the cinema.
Stijn Coninx explains that the restoration was necessary as "The colours had faded a little or had become jaundiced at bit like with old photos. But apart from that it is exactly the same film."
The story of Father Adolph Daens
Daens is a historical film that focuses on the struggle for social justice. The film is set in Aalst (East Flanders) at the end of the 19th century in Aalst. Father Daens (1839-1907) sides with the city’s textile workers that suffer from poverty, child labour and exploitation. This puts him at odds with the church and the wealthy and powerful bourgeoisie.
No coincidence
The timing of the film’s rerelease is no coincidence coming as it does not long before the Oscars. ‘Daens’ was the first ever Flemish film to be nominated for an Oscar in the category ‘Best Non-English Language Film’. However, Stijn Coninx returned from Hollywood empty-handed and the Oscar went to the French director Régis Wargnier’s film ‘Indochine’.
In addition to this is the 80th birthday of the actor that plays Adolf Daens in the film Jan Decleir. The film distributor Avila says that this “provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate his most memorable roles”.
In addition to Jan Decleir there are roles for the well-known Flemish actors Michaël Pas and Antje De Boeck and a small role for an actor that now has gained international fame, Matthias Schoenaerts. Matthias Schoenaerts the role of Wannes Scholiers, Nette’s (played by Antje De Boeck) little brother. His father, the late Julien Schoenaerts, played the role of Bishop Stillemans in the film.
“A great initiative by young people”
The film’s director Stijn Coninx is very enthusiastic about the film is being shown in cinemas again. He will also be present at showings of the film in cinemas across Flanders to answer questions from the audience. “I think it a great initiative, especially because the idea came from people that are very young. They asked me last year if they could re-release the film in cinemas”.
“Since 2010, all cinemas have been equipped with digital equipment All films shot on film had to be digitised in order to be shown. As this is the case then it is also worth restoring them to the best possible technical quality.”
Stijn Coninx has been told that his film has stood the test of time. “Last year, there was a screening at the Cinémathèque in Paris. There were young French people there that knew nothing about the story of Adolf Daens. Afterwards, they came to tell me that they found it very valuable to learn about his story.”
Stijn Coninx hopes that the film’s rerelease will help it reach out to a new generation here in Belgium too.
“The story remains highly relevant because solidarity is its central theme. We live in a world where consideration for others is increasingly fading into the background. Decisions, including those made by political leaders, are too often taken out of self-interest, without sufficient attention being paid to their consequences for others”.
The avant-première of the restored version of ‘Daens’ took place on Tuesday evening at Cinema Palace in Brussels. The film will be on general release from Wednesday 11 March.