#MeToo movement in Mollywood: How WCC and the Justice Hema committee emerged in Malayalam Cinema

Online Desk

August 19, 2024, represents a pivotal moment in the battle against sexual harassment and discrimination within the Malayalam film industry.

(File photo | EPS)

The release of the Hema Committee report, despite being delayed by four and a half years, has triggered a significant chain reaction.

(Photo | Vincent Pulickal)

The Malayalam film industry, producing nearly 200 movies annually, was navigating its existing fault lines amid the rise of OTT platforms when a shocking incident shook the industry on February 17, 2017.

(File photo | EPS)

A young actress was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in broad daylight, leaving society traumatised.

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The disturbing details of the crime sparked an initial public outcry and police investigation. Although the momentum eventually subsided, the women in the industry came together in solidarity, driven by fear and a sense of urgency. This led to the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), officially registered on November 1, 2017.

(File photo | EPS)

In its initial two years, the WCC concentrated on addressing sexual harassment within the industry and submitted a memo aimed at addressing gender disparity and inadequate employment conditions in Malayalam cinema.

(File photo | EPS)

In response, Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan established a three-member expert committee led by former Kerala High Court Judge K Hema, comprising veteran actor Sarada and ex-IAS officer K B Valsala Kumari. The Hema Committee conducted a comprehensive study of film industry issues from November 2017 and submitted its final report on December 31, 2019.

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The Hema Committee submitted its report on December 31, 2019, but the government chose not to release it, citing unknown reasons. Despite multiple Right to Information (RTI) filings, the government refused to disclose the report, leaving the industry and the public uninformed.

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However, in July 2024, the State Information Commission (SIC) ordered the report’s release by July 25, with exclusions only for information restricted under the RTI Act. The SIC directed the public information officer to personally review the report, and identify, and sever exempt information.

(File | EPS)
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