Kerala government seeks public comments for film policy draft

Kerala’s Culture department has published the detailed discussion notes laying out the draft objectives of the proposed Kerala Film Policy to collect public opinions. The documents are now available on the websites www.ksfdc.in and www.keralafilm.com. Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian had said at the recently concluded Kerala Film Policy Conclave that the opinions of the public will be sought before the government finalises a comprehensive policy for the film industry within two months.

The public can submit their opinions through email at [email protected] or send them to The Managing Director, Kerala State Film Development Corporation, Chalachitra Bhavan, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram - 14, before August 25. Wide-ranging panel discussions were held on the discussion notes, now made available to the public, at the conclave on August 2 and 3.

The conclave witnessed discussions on a host of issues related to the Malayalam film industry, ranging from those related to contractual agreements and minimum wages to gender justice, inclusivity and even the high price of food and beverages in cinema theatres. Regarding women’s safety on sets, the need for improving the functioning of the internal complaints committee with clear definitions of workplace was demanded. Safe places to stay and all basic facilities should be ensured for women during the duration of the shooting.

The long and irregular working hours in the industry became a point of discussion in another panel. Demand was raised for overtime wages. Guaranteed jobs, especially for those in departments with lower pay, was another suggestion as the lean periods are often longer between two films. The wage disparity within the sector was also raised, with complaints that as much as 80% of the production budget of some films was spent on the lead actors, while a large section remained underpaid.