Malayalam cinema at crossroads: Landmark conclave to rewrite industry rules amid ‘Hema Committee’ reckoning

Thiruvananthapuram: A major film conclave aiming to reform Malayalam cinema will be held at the Kerala Legislative Assembly on August 2 and 3, featuring nine panel discussions on key issues ranging from workplace safety and gender equality to censorship and digital innovation.

Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian announced that the conclave will serve as the foundation for drafting a comprehensive new film policy, shaped by insights from all major stakeholders in the Malayalam film industry, including film organisations, artists, technicians, and individuals.

The discussions will cover cinema’s evolution into a cultural and creative industry with a regulated, rights-based workspace. One of the primary panels will focus on gender equality and creating an inclusive environment, a topic that gained urgency following the revelations of the Hema Committee report, which documented systemic abuse, exploitation, and harassment within the industry.

Other panels will address essential industry topics such as proper contracts, labour rights, facilities for workers, e-ticketing systems, and emerging technologies. A general session will follow these discussions, where all participating bodies will contribute towards shaping a widely acceptable film policy.

When asked whether men accused in harassment cases will be included in the conclave along with survivors, Cherian clarified that the participating film organisations will decide who takes part.

The policy will consider the findings of both the Hema Committee and the earlier Adoor Gopalakrishnan Committee.

Cherian also addressed growing concerns about censorship, particularly the Central Board of Film Certification's increasing interventions in film titles and creative expression. Issues surrounding artistic freedom and expression will also be discussed at the conclave, he added.