Increased female representation in cinema; Hema Committee proposes training for Kudumbashree members

Thiruvananthapuram: The Hema Committee has proposed several measures to boost women's participation in cinema, including establishment of special theatres at the taluk level and targeted training for Kudumbashree workers. The report also calls for 50 per cent female representation on film-related decision-making committees to ensure gender equality and prevent discrimination.

Currently, women make up only 9 per cent of directors, 12 per cent of screenwriters, and 15 per cent of producers in India, with very limited presence in technical roles. To address this, the report suggests introducing 50 per cent reservation for women in film studies programs and ensuring that 30 per cent of interview board members are women.

Training programs for Kudumbashree members in areas like camera operation and lighting, as well as short-term technical courses for self-help groups, tribal communities, and fishermen, are also recommended. The report calls for the creation of theatres in each taluk to showcase films by female directors and screenwriters. Additionally, the report requests the government system to facilitate loans for movies with at least 30 per cent female participation.