No more silent bans! New Kerala Film policy on the anvil; grievance cell planned

Thiruvananthapuram: The UDF government is set to introduce a comprehensive film policy featuring measures to curb unofficial bans in the cinema industry and establishing a dedicated grievance redressal cell. Formulated with major revisions to the previous government's policy, discussions with various film industry associations have been completed. The draft policy will be submitted to the Cabinet once consultations with the local self-government, power, tourism, and industry departments conclude.

Addressing the practice of silent boycotts where complainants are systematically excluded from new projects, Minister for Culture P C Vishnunath said that a specialised cell will be incorporated into the policy to tackle complaints and prevent such unofficial bans. Women's safety will also receive priority focus.

Following the government's decision to grant industry status to the film sector, the policy will introduce a single-window system for shooting permits and facilitate loans at lower interest rates. Demands to revise electricity tariffs for cinema halls will also be considered.

Although the previous Left government announced a film policy last March incorporating recommendations from the Justice Hema Committee, it could not be implemented due to the change in government. The new policy continues to take into account key recommendations, including those from the Hema Committee.