A wave of #MeToo allegations has hit India’s film industry in Kerala, known as Mollywood, with a government report revealing widespread sexual abuse against women. The Hema Committee report, released in August 2024 after a five-year delay, highlighted issues such as denial of human rights, casting couch practices, online harassment, and contract issues within the Malayalam film industry. The report’s recommendations included establishing a judicial tribunal to address complaints of sexual misconduct.
Following the report’s publication, numerous actresses came forward with allegations of sexual harassment, leading to the resignation of the executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now conducting interviews with the actresses who reported harassment in the report. Activists are calling for the names of alleged perpetrators to be made public and for structural changes to create a safer workspace culture within the industry.
While some argue for the establishment of a judicial tribunal, others believe existing mechanisms such as internal complaints committees and local complaints committees should be strengthened to address workplace sexual misconduct. The movement in Kerala’s film industry is seen as a broader effort to reshape industry structures and improve treatment of women, echoing similar movements like #MeToo in Hollywood. Ultimately, the focus is on creating a safer and more inclusive workspace for women in Mollywood.
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