Comprehensive policy for Malayalam film industry within 2-3 months: Saji Cherian

The two-day Kerala Film Policy Conclave concluded here on Sunday with Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian making a commitment to frame a comprehensive policy for the Malayalam film industry within 2-3 months. Over the two days, panel discussions with stakeholders from the industry as well as experts from various sectors were held on nine major subjects, followed by open forum sessions involving all the delegates.

At the closing ceremony, Mr. Cherian said that the government has taken serious note of the issues raised by the junior artistes about their abject working conditions, including long working hours, which will be addressed. The government will also initiate talks to arrive at a solution for the wage disparity in the industry with the stars taking a good part of the production cost, while the rest get a pittance.

Safety on sets

“The government does not agree with the attempts to paint the whole film industry with the same brush. A few people who have made money are coming into the industry with other intentions. Their actions bring disrepute to the whole industry. It has to be ensured that women can work freely in shooting sets. Both women and men should have the equal freedom to go about their work. The policy will ensure complete safety for everyone on the sets. ID cards will be considered for people across sections as part of safety measures,” he said.

He brought to the attention of Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal the issue of eliminating entertainment tax to resolve the issue of double taxation in the film sector. The Minister said that ₹5 crore has been allocated for implementing e-ticketing this year itself and an agreement had been reached with Digital University Kerala in this regard. A single-window system will be introduced to grant permission for film shooting.

The government will ensure at least one screening in theatres for independent films and will examine the provision of more subsidies to them. The issue of bringing a common code of conduct will also be considered to prevent review bombing from damaging the film industry. The suggestion to organise a student film festival will be considered. Improvements will be brought about in the functioning of the welfare funds for cultural activists. The Finance Minister has agreed to consider favourably a proposal to revise the funds, said Mr. Cherian. The government is also planning a project to support the modernisation of old cinema theatres in the State.