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The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), a powerful body representing various professionals and technicians in the Malayalam film industry, has finally broken its silence on the Justice Hema Committee report. This report, released weeks ago, revealed a disturbing picture of sexual abuse, casting couch practices, and exploitative working conditions within the industry. While FEFKA welcomes the report, it has urged its members to refrain from “emotional and immature reactions” and has called for the public disclosure of the names of abusers involved. The organization also stated it would take disciplinary action against its members facing police action related to the allegations.
FEFKA, comprised of 21 unions representing directors, technicians, editors, and other film professionals, has over 8,300 members. This makes it a much larger entity than the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), which had previously responded to the Hema Committee report. The silence of FEFKA, particularly given its member, director Ranjith, who is currently facing allegations of attempting to outrage the modesty of a woman actor, had raised eyebrows. The organization, however, emphasized that their response would not be one of empty words, but of policy changes aimed at addressing the issues raised by the report.
The statement from FEFKA general secretary, B Unnikrishnan, emphasized the importance of detailed discussion and analysis of the report. A three-day discussion starting September 2nd will involve the participation of women members and focus on subsequent developments in the industry. FEFKA has also pledged to provide legal and psychological support to survivors of sexual crimes, working with clinical psychologists to assist them. This initiative comes after the Justice Hema Committee highlighted the prevalence of directors engaging in unhealthy practices and anti-women attitudes within the industry, specifically mentioning the casting couch issue. The report also highlighted the presence of individuals with criminal backgrounds infiltrating the industry, creating a sense of insecurity for women.
The Hema Committee's findings have spurred action from Kerala Police, who have registered a rape case against actor Siddique based on a complaint from a young actor. Director Ranjith has also been booked following a complaint from a Bengali actor who alleged misbehavior during a film pre-production meeting in 2009. These developments underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for thorough investigation and decisive action to address the systemic issues identified by the committee. FEFKA's pledge to work towards positive change within the industry is a crucial step, but it remains to be seen how they will balance this commitment with the need to protect the identities of victims and ensure fairness in handling allegations against members. The upcoming discussions and the organization's actions will be closely watched by the industry and the public alike.
The case of director Vinayan, banned by FEFKA in the past, highlights the complexities of the situation. The Hema Committee found this ban to be detrimental to Malayalam cinema, and Vinayan's subsequent legal battles against it led to a Supreme Court rejection of FEFKA's petition against the Competition Commission of India's ruling against the ban. This past incident underscores the delicate balance that FEFKA must navigate between upholding ethical standards and ensuring fairness in its disciplinary actions. The organization’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with women members will be critical in ensuring a meaningful and lasting impact on the Malayalam film industry.