The release of the Hema committee report on issues prevalent in the Malayalam film industry has sparked widespread discussions on what the appropriate response from the State government should be. Film editor and Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) member Bina Paul, in an exclusive interview with The Hindu on Wednesday, emphasized that the primary focus should be on implementing systemic changes within the industry to ensure that women can work with the confidence that they are respected as professionals and peers.
“A considerable number of people have testified before the committee, after being promised confidentiality. It’s uncertain how many of them wish to pursue legal avenues. However, our focus should not solely be on instances of sexual harassment. There are numerous other critical issues on film sets that require governmental attention and action,” Paul stated.
In March 2022, the WCC celebrated a significant victory when the Kerala High Court responded to its plea. The court mandated the formation of an Internal Committee (IC) on film sets as per the guidelines of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. This move followed the formation of the WCC in 2017 and the submission of the Hema committee report in 2019. Despite some improvements on film sets since then, Paul feels that a lot more needs to be accomplished.
“Systems must be established to ensure proper contracts and facilities for everyone involved, including technicians, junior artists, and dancers. For instance, issues faced by women during menstruation are rarely considered during shooting schedules. Regarding ICs, it’s possible they may not be functioning effectively due to entrenched power structures. Monitoring committees are needed to ensure their efficacy,” Paul explained.
The Hema committee report highlighted that women face substantial barriers in the film industry, especially in the technical departments, where their numbers are significantly lower. For example, in the K.R. Narayanan Film Institute, only two women were enrolled out of 44 students in the technical departments during the years studied by the committee. The report recommends that reservations and scholarships be offered to women in film schools to address this disparity.
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Reflecting on her early days in the industry, Paul, who is one of the trailblazing women technicians in Malayalam cinema, recalled the challenges she faced. “It was quite intimidating being the only woman on set during those days. Now, with the release of this report, we don’t want the industry to be perceived negatively, deterring women from joining. We need steps to build trust within the industry. As women’s presence increases, the industry will undergo significant positive change. Although the number of women in technical roles remains low, the number of assistant directors has increased. More women in cinema would foster greater awareness of their rights,” Paul asserted.
Paul also mentioned that even within the WCC, many women are hesitant to join due to fear of potential repercussions, a sentiment echoed in the committee’s report. “The public sees only a fraction of what the WCC does. We engage in discussions on various professional challenges we encounter. The WCC represents more of an idea than a traditional organization. This approach is far more effective. Besides litigation, we have submitted two reports to the Culture Minister regarding cinema policy, published a report titled ‘Women Shaping the Narrative in Media and Entertainment,’ and made several recommendations for creating an equitable workplace. We also hold discussions on professional issues we face,” Paul added.
The release of the Hema committee report is a critical juncture for the Malayalam film industry. The State government is being called upon to take decisive and comprehensive actions to address not only sexual harassment but also numerous other systemic issues that have long plagued the industry. Advocates like Bina Paul and organizations like the WCC are striving to ensure that the film industry transforms into a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment for women and all its professionals. This report serves as a crucial catalyst for much-needed change.
