Hema report fallout: New Malayalam film body championing change, inclusivity launched
Called the Progressive Film Makers Association, it will focus on modernising and reforming the Malayalam film industry, which is currently in a turmoil
By : The Federal
Update: 2024-09-16 11:56 GMT
As the Malayalam film industry is in the midst of a churn after the shocking revelations in the Hema Committee report, a group of leading filmmakers, actors and technicians, have come forward to set up a new association to bring about positive changes in the industry and take it to a new level.
Called the Progressive Film Makers Association, the members are pushing for a fair and equitable workplace, employee empowerment, inclusive workplaces with workers’ rights at the forefront. It will focus on modernising and reforming the Malayalam film industry, which is currently in a turmoil with a government-appointed Special Investigation Team examining sexual assault complaints against actors.
This association will function along with existing organisations such as the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the Film Employees Federation of India (FEFKA), the distributors association and the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce.
Fair and equitable workplaces
According to a 'Vision Statement' shared by actor Rima Kallingal, who is one of the founders of this association, along with directors Anjali Menon and Aashiq Abu (the latter created a stir when he recently resigned from the director’s association FEFKA), there is a dire need for an overhaul in the functioning style of the Malayalam film industry.
“A new community of backbenchers is essential," said the statement, who will take ethical responsibility, modernise and encourage employee empowerment. The association is advocating for fair and equitable workplaces that are essential components of a collective, modern society.
The Malayalam film industry, which is currently operating in an "outdated" manner, requires modern systems, legal frameworks and a sense of collective responsibility. “We need to take the industry to the next level,” reiterated the vision statement.
Dawn for a better future
Essentially, the association wants to create inclusive workplaces that protect workers' rights, ensure enterprises that are sustainable and ethical. This change is necessary, and the members urged others in the industry to join them in this dream for the dawn of a better future based on compassion, creative excellence and entrepreneurship.
The association also plans to address issues like gender equality, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility in the film industry. They also aim to provide a platform for new and emerging talent in the industry. This new association has already received support from several film makers and actors in the industry.
The other members of this new association include award-winning 'Jallikattu' director Lijo Pellissery, cinenatographer Rajeev Ravi and producer Bineesh Chandran.