The recent release of the Hema committee report, which scrutinizes various issues afflicting the Malayalam film industry, has ignited fervent debates about the potential course of action by the State government. In an exclusive interview with The Hindu on Wednesday, Bina Paul, an acclaimed film editor and a pivotal member of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), emphasized the necessity for profound systemic changes within the industry. She ardently believes that such reforms are crucial for ensuring that women can work with assurance and dignity, respected unequivocally as professionals.
“A multitude of individuals bravely testified before the committee, having been assured of confidentiality. The distressing reality is that we remain uncertain about how many among them are willing to pursue legal action. Nonetheless, our focus extends far beyond the harrowing accounts of sexual harassment. The government must also consider myriad other issues prevalent on film sets,” Paul stated.
In March 2022, the WCC marked a significant triumph when the Kerala High Court, responding to their earnest petition, mandated the establishment of Internal Committees (IC) on film sets, in accordance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. Despite the formation of the WCC in 2017 and the subsequent submission of the Hema committee report in 2019, Paul is of the opinion that although there have been some improvements on sets, a lot more remains to be accomplished.
“Proper systems must be instituted to ensure comprehensive and fair contracts, alongside adequate facilities for all, including technicians, junior artists, and dancers. Issues faced by women, particularly during menstruation, are often overlooked during shootings. The efficacy of Internal Committees might presently be hampered by entrenched power structures, necessitating the formation of monitoring committees to oversee their performance,” she elaborated.
The Hema committee report sheds light on a significant barrier hindering women’s participation, especially within the technical domain of cinema. For instance, an examination of the K.R. Narayanan Film Institute revealed that out of 44 students in the technical departments during the committee’s study period, only two were women. To address such discrepancies, the committee has recommended implementing reservations and scholarships for women in film schools.
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Reflecting on her pioneering journey as one of the earliest women technicians in Malayalam cinema, Paul shared, “The initial days were indeed daunting, being the sole woman on the sets. Through this report, we are not aspiring to tarnish the industry’s image but to institute measures that build trust. The increased presence of women will precipitate a significant transformation. Although the number of assistant directors has grown, a typical Malayalam film set still features only 2-3 women in technical roles. We need more women in cinema who are fully aware of their rights,” she asserted.
Paul further disclosed that within the WCC, a pervasive fear of repercussions deters many women from joining, a sentiment corroborated by the Hema committee report. “The public perceives only a fraction of what WCC truly encompasses. Beyond litigation, we conduct extensive discussions on professional challenges we encounter. We are more of an ideational movement than a conventional organization, which augments our effectiveness. We’ve submitted two comprehensive reports to the Culture Minister on cinema policy, published insights on ‘Women Shaping the Narrative in Media and Entertainment,’ and made recommendations for creating equitable workplaces. Regular discussions concerning professional issues are also integral to our activities,” Paul elaborated.
In conclusion, Bina Paul underscored the urgent need for the State government to act upon the recommendations presented in the Hema committee report. Her call for systemic changes is a clarion call to not only protect women from harassment but also to create a more inclusive and fair working environment in the Malayalam film industry. Such an environment would not just encourage more women to join the industry but also ensure their sustained growth and contribution, ultimately enriching the cinematic landscape.
This report highlights the pressing need for systemic changes and more effective organizational structures within the film industry to address not only sexual harassment but also broader issues affecting all workers, particularly women. The implementation of recommended reforms, including proper contracts, adequate facilities and monitoring committees, is imperative to create a more inclusive and equitable working environment.
