AMMA Backs Hema Committee Report, Calls For Implementation Of Recommendations

In its first response to the Justice Hema Committee report, which exposed the shocking harassment and sexual exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has expressed its support for the panel's findings.

Speaking to reporters, AMMA General Secretary Siddique stated, "The report is welcome. We want the Hema Committee's recommendations to be implemented." However, he voiced concern over the generalization that everyone in the Malayalam cinema industry is corrupt, a perception he believes is unfair.

Siddique explained that Minister Saji Cherian had asked AMMA to submit suggestions for the report, which were provided by the association's office bearers. He clarified that AMMA had not opposed the release of the report and said that the Hema Committee Report was not directed against AMMA, nor was the association implicated in it.

The report, according to Siddique, sheds light on the challenges faced by their own members, but he expressed frustration that the media often portrays the organization negatively. He asserted that it is the police's responsibility to investigate and prosecute crimes and that AMMA has never attempted to shield wrongdoers.

"It is not right to condemn an entire industry due to isolated incidents. I am not aware of any so-called 'power group' controlling Malayalam cinema. If a few individuals were deciding who should act in a film, how could the industry function? These accusations stem from a misunderstanding of the term 'mafia.' AMMA is not afraid of a police investigation," Siddique added.

Regarding the establishment of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on film sets, Siddique indicated that this decision should be left to the individual productions, noting that the artists' guild cannot interfere in this matter.

Dismissing rumors of discord within the association, Siddique said, "There is no division within AMMA. Whether to request the publication of the names of the alleged perpetrators will be carefully considered. The Hema Committee did not summon many women who hold positions in AMMA. For example, a complaint by a girl that a director knocked on her door was not brought to AMMA's attention. We are taking seriously the concerns raised by Tilakan's daughter, although she managed the issue herself without bringing it to AMMA."

Siddique also addressed claims by actress Parvathy, stating, "I don't believe Parvathy has been deprived of acting opportunities. While AMMA has limited involvement in addressing the infrastructure challenges faced by women in the industry, it is not accurate to say that no facilities are available now. Much has changed in recent years."

The Hema Committee's report, released on Monday, unveiled disturbing accounts of harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment of women in the film industry, with allegations of a "criminal gang" controlling the industry and marginalizing women who resist.

The Kerala government had constituted the panel in the wake of the 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep to investigate issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in Malayalam cinema.

The report's revelations have provoked widespread outrage and calls for stringent measures to ensure a safe working environment and equal treatment for women professionals in the industry.

"Based on the Hema Committee's suggestions, the Women's Commission will recommend that the government take necessary steps to establish grievance redressal committees as per the POSH Act on shooting sets," said Women's Commission chief P. Sathi Devi on Monday.

The POSH Act refers to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.