Broken Dykes

In 1944, Walcheren was washed over by water. Not as the result of a natural disaster, but as a resolute act of man-made flooding by the Allies to make the port of Antwerp, which was occupied by the Germans, accessible and attainable. All of Walcheren is flooded and must be evacuated. Not only are the people transfered to drier places, but also the cattle, which were so important to the inhabitants of Zeeland. 200 people fall victim to the collapse of the dikes, but many refuse to leave their homes. The film demontrates the despondency, but also the resilience of the Zeelanders, who remain steadfast to those things which are vitally important to them and their farms.