In 2017, the Justice Hema committee was formed by the Kerala government based on the petition filed by the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) to study the challenges faced by women in the industry. The report was released on 20th August and it made significant revelations, highlighting extreme discrimination and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
Key Issues Highlighted in the Report:
Sexual Abuse: Includes unwanted advances, rape threats, and derogatory code names for women agreeing to compromise.
Casting Couch: Women often pressured to trade sexual favors for roles; those who comply are labeled "cooperating artists."
Safety on Film Set: Female workers frequently bring parents or relatives to avoid harassment.
Criminal Influence: Industry plagued by criminal behavior, including unwanted advances from intoxicated men.
Fear of Consequences: Women reluctant to report harassment due to stigma and fear of repercussions despite legal protections.
Cyberthreats: Significant online harassment, including cyberbullying and defamation, particularly targeting female artists.
Inadequate Facilities: Poor sanitation on sets, leading female artists to avoid drinking water and struggle with menstrual hygiene.
Inhumane Working Conditions: Junior artists often receive inadequate pay and endure excessive work hours, with intermediaries misappropriating their wages.
Key Recommendations of the Report
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): Mandatory ICC establishment under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, including members from Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
Independent Tribunal Proposal: Creation of an independent tribunal for harassment and discrimination cases, with in-camera proceedings and confidentiality for involved parties.
Written Contracts: Mandatory written contracts for all cinema employees, including junior artist coordinators, to safeguard interests.
Gender Awareness Training: All cast and crew must complete gender awareness training before starting production, with materials available in Malayalam and English online.
Women in Producer Role: Increased budgetary support for gender-just films and a single-window system for loans and permissions to simplify production for women filmmakers.
The report formulated on the directions of the Kerala Government highlighted issues like existence of ‘power group’, couch casting, lack of essential facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, safe transportation, etc. The issues highlighted by the Committee rekindled the #MeToo Movement and sexual harassment of women at workplace.
