Rampant harassment and no toilets: Report exposes Kerala film industry

A significant report has been released that highlights the serious issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry in Kerala, India. This report, which spans 290 pages, reveals troubling findings about the working conditions and treatment of women in this popular film sector. The report was prepared by a three-member panel, including a former judge, and was commissioned by the state government in 2017. It was prompted by a shocking incident involving the assault of a well-known actress, Bhavana Menon, in February 2017. Bhavana was attacked by a group of men while traveling, and the case drew widespread media attention, especially after a prominent actor, Dileep, was accused of being involved. Although he denied the allegations, he was arrested and held for three months before being released on bail. The report, which was submitted to the government in December 2019, was only made public recently after a lengthy delay and legal challenges from industry members. The findings of the report are alarming, as it describes the film industry as being controlled by a 'mafia of powerful men' and states that sexual harassment is widespread. The report details the poor working conditions on film sets, including a lack of basic facilities such as toilets and changing rooms for junior artists. Women often have to relieve themselves in bushes or behind trees, which is not only uncomfortable but also poses health risks. The report highlights that during their menstrual cycles, women are unable to change their sanitary products for extended periods, leading to physical discomfort and, in some cases, requiring medical attention. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a group formed by women in the industry, has been advocating for better working conditions and has been vocal about the systemic issues that women face. They petitioned the government for action following the attack on Bhavana, emphasizing the need for a safer working environment. The report indicates that many women are afraid to speak out about their experiences due to fear of losing their jobs. The panel interviewed numerous individuals from various roles within the industry, gathering evidence that supports the claims of rampant sexual harassment. The report describes this harassment as the 'worst evil' faced by women in cinema, and it notes that many women feel they have little choice but to comply with the demands of powerful men in order to pursue their dreams in the film industry. The WCC believes that the report validates their concerns about the industry's culture and the treatment of women. Beena Paul, a founding member of the WCC, stated that they have long been labeled as troublemakers for raising these issues, but the report confirms that the situation is even worse than they had anticipated. In the wake of the report's release, there has been a surge of calls for accountability from activists and opposition leaders. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stated that if any woman who testified before the committee wishes to file a complaint, the government will take appropriate action. He assured that no one, regardless of their status, would be above the law. The report has sparked discussions about the need for reform within the industry, with some industry representatives denying the claims made in the report. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has rejected the notion that sexual harassment is prevalent, arguing that most complaints pertain to payment delays rather than harassment. However, many women in the industry feel that the report is a crucial step toward creating a safer environment for all. The report makes several recommendations aimed at improving conditions for women in the film industry, with the hope that one day, parents will feel confident sending their children to pursue careers in filmmaking, just as they would for other professions. This report serves as a vital step in the ongoing struggle for women's rights and safety in the film industry.