In 1968 the Dagenham Ford plant became the centre of national attention, when a group of female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination and over disputes of unequal pay.
The event was instrumental in the lead up to the 1970 Equal Pay Act, but Nigel Cole, director of new movie Made in Dagenham believes this incredible story is not one many people remember:
"I grew up about five miles away from Dagenham at a place called Buckhurst Hill and I didn't know the story.
"I think most people have that reaction. And I go: 'Why didn't you know about this? This is incredible."
Cole says he was easily convinced to lead the project.
"It's very rare as a director to get that change to be the first to tell a great true story.
"For me, it was an obvious chance to make something really special."
Made in Dagenham stars Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins, Rosamund Pike and Jaime Winstone.
