MACTA splits; breakaway group to form new body

Kochi, June 10 (UNI) The Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) Federation, an apex body of 19 unions of the Malayalam film industry, today split with the breakaway group, mainly consisting of Directors, deciding to form a new body after the conciliatory talks failed.

Announcing the decision to reporters here, Directors Sibi Malayil and Renji Panicker said ''a new organisation would be formed, in which members of the 19 unions would be given representation and would work for the betterment of the Malayalam film industry.'' The decision was taken as it was difficult to continue in the Federation under its General Secretary Director Vinayan, he added.

Echoing his views, Panicker said a 'cultural degradation' was prevailing in the Federation and there was no question of continuing in it.

They categorically stated that they were not for any talks with the mediators, the representatives of the Indian Film Employees Confederation and South India Film Employees Confederation, to evolve a consensus.

The new body would have the backing of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) and the Kerala Film Producers' Association, they claimed.

The mediators also had an informal meeting with actor Dileep, whose decision not to act in a film directed by Thulasidas triggered the MACTA crisis.

Meanwhile, the official group is holding a meeting to discuss the future course of action.

Earlier, the Producers' Association condemned the working of MACTA and noted that the Federation should be revamped for them to extend their cooperation.

The fissures in the Federation widened after it decided on Wednesday not to cooperate with Dileep's forthcoming film directed by Siddique, resulting in difference of opinion between Siddique and Vinayan. Vinayan had also criticised Dileep for violating professional ethics by refusing to act in Thulasidas' movie.

Following this, top Directors including Priyadarshan, Kamal, Renjith, Joshi, Renji Panicker, Sathyan Anthikad, Srinivasan, Fazil and Blessy had resigned from the Federation to protest against Vinayan's 'derogatory remarks' against Siddique.

UNI MA LS HT2045