The director said Aashiq Abu shared the idea of forming an independent community of creative filmmakers, which he readily welcomed.
Published Sep 18, 2024 | 1:31 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 18, 2024 | 1:31 PM
I'm not part of Progressive Filmmakers' Association, says Malayalam director Lijo Jose Pellissery. (X)
Malayalam director Lijo Jose Pellissery on Wednesday, 18 September, announced that he is not currently part of the Progressive Filmmakers’ Association, as is being circulated in the media.
In his Facebook post, the director mentioned that his filmmaker-friend Aashiq Abu shared an idea about forming an independent community of creative filmmakers, which he welcomed as a good initiative.
The director also clarified that even though he appreciates the move, any information circulating under his name in the media is not accurate.
Further, Lijo Jose Pellissery stated that if he chooses to be involved in such a film collective (Progressive Filmmakers’ Association), he will make an official announcement from his side. “Until then, nothing being reported under my name is known to me,” he wrote in the post.
The Progressive Filmmakers’ Association was put forth by Aashiq Abu and it aims to give importance to equality, cooperation, and social justice. At the same time, the film collective will also ensure the rights of all workers, including producers and technicians.
A joint circular released by filmmakers Anjali Menon, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Aashiq Abu, Rajeev Ravi, actor Rima Kallingal, and film activist Binish Chandran went viral recently. The note stated that there was a need for a new union that focused on modernising and reforming the Malayalam industry.
The primary goal of the Progressive Filmmakers’ Association is to empower workers within the film industry, with a commitment to developing a new culture in cinema.
The circular also mentioned that the filmmakers would be committed to advancing the industry and fostering a more inclusive, forward-thinking environment that reflects modern standards in creativity and professionalism.
Presently, many organisations are operating in the Malayalam industry, including the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), the Distributors Association, FEUOK and the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
