Anjali Menon, Aashiq Abu among others shaping new group for equality, social justice in cinema

The Hema Committee report, along with the sexual harassment accusations against individuals associated with the Malayalam film industry, and the subsequent rift between different organisations within the industry, paved the way for another organisation of filmmakers, and technical workers called the Progressive Filmmakers' Association.

The organisation, formed by prominent filmmakers including Anjali Menon, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Aashiq Abu, Rajeev Ravi, and Bineesh Chandra, aims to address systemic issues within the industry, especially those related to workers' rights, equality, and modernisation.

“It is time to bring the Malayalam film industry up to date with modern systems, legal frameworks and collective responsibility. Rooted in the values of equality, cooperation and social justice, the collective will ensure that the rights of workers and manufacturers are protected and encourage efforts to take the industry to a higher level,” the statement said.

The Hema Committee report, which highlighted extensive sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, also pointed out the presence of a powerful group of men controlling various aspects of the industry.

This group allegedly exerts undue influence by imposing unofficial bans on those who speak out against its dominance or challenge its authority. Such incidents have created a toxic environment where victims of harassment often find themselves further marginalised.

The new association, rooted in values such as equality, social justice, and cooperation, seeks to modernise the industry and implement better legal frameworks and systems to protect workers' rights.

By advocating for collective responsibility and moral values, the Progressive Filmmakers' Association intends to foster a workplace culture where inclusivity, fairness, and empowerment prevail. The organisation is particularly focused on empowering workers and ensuring that their rights are not compromised. Furthermore, it envisions a sustainable industry built on ethical practices.

Aashiq Abu, one of the key figures in the movement, has been a vocal critic of the current state of Malayalam cinema following the release of the Hema Committee report. His decision to resign from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) after opposing the inclusion of filmmaker and producer B Unnikrishnan further underscored his stance. B Unnikrishnan, who holds a significant role as FEFKA’s general secretary, was also part of the film policy committee constituted by the Kerala government.

The Hema Committee was established in 2017 in response to the sexual assault of a woman actor, an incident that led to widespread outcry. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a group advocating for gender equality and justice within the industry, played a significant role in pushing for the formation of the committee.

The report not only exposed the entrenched power dynamics within Malayalam cinema but also raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing Internal Committees to address sexual harassment, citing resistance from powerful industry figures.

The Progressive Filmmakers' Association is now calling for widespread support to revitalise the industry and create a fairer environment for all involved.