Hema Committee Report Exposes Systemic Harassment in Malayalam Film Industry
The Hema Committee Report, published in mid-August, exposed issues of sexual harassment, misogyny, and inadequate conditions for women within Kerala's Malayalam film sector. This report, named after retired judge Hema, emerged following a petition from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) related to a 2017 incident involving actress Dileep. Key findings highlighted the absence of contracts, gender pay inequality, insufficient facilities, and a 'power group of fifteen men' imposing bans on women who did not comply. Although submitted in 2019, the report was overlooked until a court battle led by the WCC prompted its release. In late September, police began investigating makeup artist Saji Koratty for harassment. Responses from celebrities like Mohanlal and Mammootty were defensive, as the report aims for workplace protections amidst ongoing calls for reform.
Key facts
- The Hema Committee Report was publicly released in mid-August, exposing sexual harassment in Malayalam cinema.
- The report was initiated by the Women in Cinema Collective after a 2017 assault case involving actor-producer Dileep.
- Findings include lack of facilities, no contracts, gender pay disparity, and a 'power group of fifteen men' enforcing bans.
- The report was submitted to the Kerala government in 2019 but neglected until a court battle led to its release.
- In late September, the first case was filed against makeup artist Saji Koratty for sexual harassment and stalking.
- Stars Mohanlal and Mammootty gave defensive responses; Mohanlal resigned from AMMA but denied power group involvement.
- Similar allegations have emerged from Tamil and Telugu film industries, but no other Indian industry has taken such measures.
- Resistance includes the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce opposing mandatory Internal Committees on film sets.
Entities
Artists
- Anand Ekarshi
- Payal Kapadia
- Prasanna Vithanage
- Dileep
- Mohanlal
- Mammootty
- Parvathy Thiruvothu
- Saji Koratty
- Deepa Bhasthi
Institutions
- Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)
- Association for Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA)
- Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce
- Kerala government
- Kerala police
- National Film Awards
- Cannes Film Festival
- Busan International Film Festival
- ArtReview
Locations
- Kerala
- India
- Kodagu
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Karnataka