Headed by Aashiq Abu, it will have directors Anjali Menon, Lijo Jose Pellissery, and Rajeev Ravi, actor Rima Kallingal, and film activist Binish Chandran as members.
Published Sep 16, 2024 | 4:44 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 16, 2024 | 4:44 PM
Progressive Filmmakers Association. (Supplied)
A new organisation, Progressive Filmmakers’ Association led by directors Aashiq Abu, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Anjali Menon, and Rima Kallingal, will be formed soon in Malayalam cinema to ensure a safe working environment in the industry.
The decision to form the Progressive Filmmakers’ Association comes in the wake of the pervading issues of sexual harassment, exploitation, and gender discrimination in Mollywood, as exposed by the Justice Hema Committee Report.
Filmmakers Anjali Menon, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Aashiq Abu, and Rajeev Ravi, actor Rima Kallingal, and film activist Binish Chandran on Monday, 16 September, released a joint circular highlighting the goals and mission of the association.
The joint circular stated that there was a need for constituting a new organisation focused on modernising and reforming the Malayalam film industry.
The circular added that the primary goal of the Progressive Filmmakers’ Association will be to empower workers in the industry, with a commitment to develop a new culture in cinema.
Highlighting the issues in Mollywood, it claimed that there was a need to update the industry’s systems, legal frameworks, and practices so it could be at par with its counterparts.
The joint circular also mentioned that the new organisation will give importance to equality, cooperation, and social justice while ensuring the rights of all workers, including producers and technicians.
Further, it stressed that the members of the Progressive Filmmakers’ Association would remain committed to advancing the industry and fostering a more inclusive, forward-thinking environment that reflects modern standards of creativity and professionalism.
With many other organisations already present, the new organisation is expected to function as a parallel wing and approach the new challenges with a new perspective.
Aashiq Abu, who will lead this group, resigned from FEFKA citing the unsatisfactory response of the outfit to the Jusitce Hema Committee report.
Following this, FEFKA General Secretary B Unnikrishnan came down heavily on Aashiq Abu, claiming that his allegations were baseless. He also criticised the Justice Hema Committee report for taking statements from people suggested by the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC).
Meanwhile, AMMA’s executive body was dissolved after the mass resignation led by Mohanlal, after top office-bearers Siddique (general secretary) and Baburaj (joint general secretary) were accused of sexual assault.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
