After Hema Committee Row, WCC Proposes Cinema Code Of Conduct For Malayalam Film Industry. Details Inside!
One of the key points proposed by WCC includes all film industry employees, regardless of their level, having employment contracts!
In the wake of Hema Committee Row and rape allegations involving prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has proposed a comprehensive Cinema Code of Conduct. This initiative follows the public release of the long-withheld Justice Hema Committee Report, which detailed extensive sexual exploitation within the sector. The resurgence of the MeToo movement in Kerala was sparked by the Kerala High Court’s directive to release this critical report, initially commissioned after the 2017 abduction and sexual assault of a renowned female actor.
What Is The Cinema Code Of Conduct?
The proposed Cinema Code of Conduct by the WCC aims to transform the Malayalam film industry into an equal and safe workspace. Central to the Code is the stipulation that all film industry employees, regardless of their level, must have employment contracts. These contracts should clearly outline details such as the film title, employer and employee information, remuneration, payment terms, work profile, and duration. Moreover, the nature of the credits to be provided to each role must also be explicitly stated.
The WCC’s proactive approach includes the requirement for even temporary employees to have contracts, ensuring transparency and accountability across all employment tiers. Additionally, the 2013 Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act is emphasized as a critical framework that needs to be implemented to curb sexual harassment and prevent gender discrimination and biased interactions within the industry.
The unsealing of the Justice Hema Committee Report has been a catalyst for change, providing a basis for authentic solutions to deeply rooted problems in the industry. Although the report has been heavily redacted to protect the privacy of the individuals involved, it has empowered many women to come forward with their experiences, contributing to a renewed wave of the MeToo movement in the region.
Details On Hema Committee Row
In response to these developments, Kerala Police have registered FIRs against 11 individuals, with the majority being from the film industry. High-profile names such as actors Mukesh, Nivin Pauly, Siddique, Jayasurya, and directors like Ranjith and VK Prakash are among those implicated.
First Published: September 10, 2024 2:54 PM
