Decision Makers:
Kerala State Government
Kerala State Women’s Commission
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)
Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA)
Demands:
Implement recommendations of the Hema Committee Report
Establish an independent commission with the power to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual harassment in the film industry
Introduction
The Hema Committee Report released in August 2024 has highlighted the systemic sexual harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. The report exposed a disturbing reality –powerful industry figures abusing their power to perpetuate a culture of misogyny in the industry.
What is the Issue?
The Hema Committee was formed in 2017 to investigate allegations of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry after a high-profile case of assault had sent shockwaves throughout the industry and warranted further investigation [1].
The recorded testimonies of women working in different capacities within the industry revealed a deep rooted culture of abuse and sexism. Women are subjected to coercion, manipulation, and sexual advances, often at the hands of powerful people who dominate the industry. Those who try to raise their voice or try to resist face the risk of retaliation or blacklisting. Since the release of the report, 17 cases have been filed and all office bearers of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) have resigned.
This toxic environment is not unique to Malayalam cinema. Across the film industries in India, similar patterns of exploitation have been reported, but remain unaddressed due to stigma and fear [2]. Furthermore, these instances are a violation of women’s safety at the workplace, which is an offense under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The lack of implementation of POSH, 2013, is a major reason for why sexual abuse continues unchecked.
The consequences are heavy: the careers of women are negatively impacted and so is their mental health and safety.
Therefore, immediate action on the recommendations provided by the Hema Committee Report need to be given priority. These include:
An independent body constituted by the government to address women's grievances in the Malayalam film industry as the Internal Complaints Committees have been undermined by the current power structures leading to mishandling of complaints.
With laws like the POSH Act, 2013 being treated as a bureaucratic necessity, crucial preventive and redressal mechanisms are either ineffective or missing. The film industry must be held accountable for proper implementation, with strict penalties for non compliance.
A proper and thorough investigation should be launched against those named in the Hema Committee Report as well as the complaints filed post the release of the report.
There needs to be proper oversight and regular audits for the film industry to ensure that it is a safe working environment and that all legal standards are being followed.
Given the pervasiveness of the issue and the way it has become the “culture” in the film industry, all professionals at every level need to undergo mandatory gender sensitisation training and workshops.
The cycle of abuse and silence must end. The Malayalam film industry cannot continue to operate as a space where abuse is normalised and the perpetrators are protected by their power and status.
Sign this petition to demand a systemic reform as suggested by the Hema Committee Report as well as accountability and action from the film industry.
Sources:
Shift Focus: Women Shaping the Narrative in Media and Entertainment
Hema Committee report paves way for #MeToo movement in Mollywood
Mollywood's #MeToo: Malayalam film industry rocked by sexual assault allegations, 17 cases filed
Why Hema panel report on sexual harassment in Mollywood matters beyond Kerala
Hema committee report on Malayalam cinema: ‘Incident by incident, many icons started crumbling’
Decision Makers:
Kerala State Government
Kerala State Women’s Commission
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)
Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA)
Demands:
Implement recommendations of the Hema Committee Report
Establish an independent commission with the power to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual harassment in the film industry
Introduction
The Hema Committee Report released in August 2024 has highlighted the systemic sexual harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. The report exposed a disturbing reality –powerful industry figures abusing their power to perpetuate a culture of misogyny in the industry.
What is the Issue?
The Hema Committee was formed in 2017 to investigate allegations of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry after a high-profile case of assault had sent shockwaves throughout the industry and warranted further investigation [1].
The recorded testimonies of women working in different capacities within the industry revealed a deep rooted culture of abuse and sexism. Women are subjected to coercion, manipulation, and sexual advances, often at the hands of powerful people who dominate the industry. Those who try to raise their voice or try to resist face the risk of retaliation or blacklisting. Since the release of the report, 17 cases have been filed and all office bearers of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) have resigned.
This toxic environment is not unique to Malayalam cinema. Across the film industries in India, similar patterns of exploitation have been reported, but remain unaddressed due to stigma and fear [2]. Furthermore, these instances are a violation of women’s safety at the workplace, which is an offense under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The lack of implementation of POSH, 2013, is a major reason for why sexual abuse continues unchecked.
The consequences are heavy: the careers of women are negatively impacted and so is their mental health and safety.
Therefore, immediate action on the recommendations provided by the Hema Committee Report need to be given priority. These include:
An independent body constituted by the government to address women's grievances in the Malayalam film industry as the Internal Complaints Committees have been undermined by the current power structures leading to mishandling of complaints.
With laws like the POSH Act, 2013 being treated as a bureaucratic necessity, crucial preventive and redressal mechanisms are either ineffective or missing. The film industry must be held accountable for proper implementation, with strict penalties for non compliance.
A proper and thorough investigation should be launched against those named in the Hema Committee Report as well as the complaints filed post the release of the report.
There needs to be proper oversight and regular audits for the film industry to ensure that it is a safe working environment and that all legal standards are being followed.
Given the pervasiveness of the issue and the way it has become the “culture” in the film industry, all professionals at every level need to undergo mandatory gender sensitisation training and workshops.
The cycle of abuse and silence must end. The Malayalam film industry cannot continue to operate as a space where abuse is normalised and the perpetrators are protected by their power and status.
Sign this petition to demand a systemic reform as suggested by the Hema Committee Report as well as accountability and action from the film industry.
Sources:
Shift Focus: Women Shaping the Narrative in Media and Entertainment
Hema Committee report paves way for #MeToo movement in Mollywood
Mollywood's #MeToo: Malayalam film industry rocked by sexual assault allegations, 17 cases filed
Why Hema panel report on sexual harassment in Mollywood matters beyond Kerala
Hema committee report on Malayalam cinema: ‘Incident by incident, many icons started crumbling’