Thiruvananthapuram: Actor Kani Kusruti highlighted the pressures faced by women in the film industry, particularly the demand to deliver the "best" performances due to the underrepresentation of women. Speaking at the "Female Voices" panel discussion on women's presence in independent Indian cinema, she emphasised the need for greater female representation in the industry.

The panel, part of the Kerala International Film Festival, also featured director Rima Das, production designer and actor Anasuya Sengupta, and director-cinematographer Fowzia Fathima. The discussion, moderated by festival curator Golda Sellam, focused on the challenges women in cinema face, as well as the opportunities available to them in the current industry landscape.

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Rima Das spoke about the necessity for women to support each other in the film industry. Fowzia Fathima stressed the importance of creating opportunities for women in technical and behind-the-scenes roles, as well as recognising their work in these areas, which is crucial in today's age.

The discussion also covered the challenges faced by women in contemporary Indian cinema and the need for women-centric narratives. The panellists emphasised that there should be more films showcasing the world from a woman's perspective. They also discussed the economic and social barriers women face in the industry and the need for sustainable career opportunities for them.

In closing, the panel underscored the importance of women taking the lead in creating strong female characters in films, pointing out that women must step forward to shape the stories and roles that will define the future of cinema.