The Justice Hema Committee Report, released on August 19, 2024, has brought to light the alarming issues of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The report, submitted by the committee to the Kerala government in December 2019, has finally been made public after much anticipation.
The three-member committee, led by retired Kerala High Court Justice K. Hema, along with former actress Sharada and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari, was formed in 2017. This came after the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) petitioned the government to investigate the sexual assault case against a leading Malayalam actress in 2017.
Key Findings of the Hema Committee Report
The report reveals that the Malayalam film industry has long been plagued by a culture of sexual exploitation, with the "casting couch" being a common practice. Women across various roles, including actors, technicians, make-up artists, dancers, and support staff, have been subjected to harassment and discrimination.
One of the most shocking findings is the existence of a "power group" within the industry that controls the entire system. This group has the power to prevent the release of movies and dictate which actors are cast in films. The report also highlights the lack of basic facilities, such as toilets, changing rooms, safe transportation, and accommodation at shooting spots, which violates the right to privacy for women working in the industry.
The report also delves into the issue of discrimination in remuneration, with women often being paid less than their male counterparts for the same work. The lack of binding contractual agreements has also been exploited by some to deprive actors and technicians of the promised remuneration.
Another alarming finding is the perception among many men in the industry that women who are willing to perform intimate scenes on-screen are also willing to do so off-set. This reflects a lack of professionalism and understanding of the craft among male members of the industry.
Impact and Aftermath of the Report
The release of the Justice Hema Committee Report has sparked a wave of reactions and discussions within the Malayalam film industry and beyond. Many female actors have come forward with sexual harassment accusations against various actors and film technicians, leading to a potential #MeToo movement in the industry.
The report has also prompted several film associations and bodies to reconsider their policies and practices, with the aim of creating a safer and more inclusive environment for women. The findings have also inspired similar initiatives in other film industries across India, highlighting the need for systemic change to address the issues of gender inequality and sexual exploitation in the entertainment industry.
Recommendations and the Way Forward
The Hema Committee Report has made several recommendations to improve the working conditions and safety of women in the Malayalam film industry. These include the mandatory establishment of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, with members from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
The report also advocates for the creation of an independent tribunal to handle cases of harassment and discrimination in the industry, with in-camera proceedings to ensure complete privacy. The committee has also recommended making it mandatory for all cast and crew to attend a basic gender awareness training program before starting production work.
To encourage more women to enter the film industry, the report suggests providing adequate and timely budgetary support for movies that promote gender justice, both thematically and in the production process. A single-window system should be established to provide loans at nominal interest rates for movies produced by women and to streamline permissions for shooting.
Conclusion
The Justice Hema Committee Report has shone a light on the systemic issues plaguing the Malayalam film industry, particularly when it comes to the treatment of women. The findings have sparked a much-needed conversation about gender equality, safety, and professionalism in the entertainment industry.