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Nine panel discussions on various issues related to Malayalam cinema will be held as part of the film conclave, scheduled to take place at the Kerala Legislative Assembly on August 2 and 3. Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian stated that a comprehensive film policy will be formulated based on the discussions during the conclave, involving all major stakeholders in Malayalam cinema.
The focus of the conclave will be on developing cinema as a cultural and creative industry, as well as a regulated workplace, where labour laws apply. Ensuring the safety of women in the workplace is also listed as a priority.
Foremost among the panel discussions is the topic of gender equality and creating an inclusive workspace. Contracts, essential facilities, e-ticketing, future technologies and other topics will also be covered. After the panel discussion, a general discussion will be held to come up with a comprehensive film policy that is agreeable to all the parties taking part in the conclave. This includes all major film organisations, individuals and artists connected with Malayalam cinema.
Most of the topics to be discussed came up in the Hema Committee report, which revealed systemic sexual harassment, exploitation, and power abuse in Malayalam cinema. A redacted part of the report was released in August last year to Right To Information applicants, after which several women working in the field shared their experiences of abuse, and filed police cases.
To a question about inviting men accused in such cases to the conclave along with the survivors, Saji Cherian said that it is dependent on the film organisations invited to decide on whom to include for the discussions.
The film policy will take into consideration the recommendations made by the Hema Committee as well as the Adoor Gopalakrishnan committee before that.
The minister also touched on the recent issues of censorship and the intervention of the Central Board of Film Certification in the titles of films that seemed to harm or shame no one. The issues affecting freedom of expression will also be a topic of discussion in the conclave, he said.
A draft form of the policy will be presented during the conclave, and within six months, the final policy should be ready, the minister added.
