Kerala Film Policy Conclave Addresses Key Issues in Malayalam Cinema After Hema Report

Swift Summary

• Kerala’s Department of Culture is hosting a two-day Kerala Film Policy Conclave starting August 2, 2025, to develop a comprehensive policy for the Malayalam film industry.
• The initiative is partially driven by issues raised after the alleged abduction and assault of a woman actor in 2017 and findings from the Hema Committee report (published in 2024), which revealed exploitation, wage disparity, discrimination, and poor working conditions in the industry.
• Existing gaps include no formal recognition as an industry and lack of proper governance mechanisms for film-related activities.
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event at Sankaranarayanan Thampi Hall in thiruvananthapuram. Actors Mohanlal and Suhasini Mani Ratnam will serve as chief guests at the opening ceremony presided over by minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian.
• Discussions include gender inclusivity measures such as POSH Act implementation on sets; regulatory frameworks like contractual agreements; ethical guidelines concerning AI usage; streamlined permitting via single-window systems; and solutions to cyber threats.
• Filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan will be chief guest during the closing ceremony on august 3.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Kerala Film Policy Conclave marks a landmark effort by any Indian state to comprehensively address systemic challenges within its regional film sector. Initiatives focusing on gender equity through POSH Act implementation or ethical AI integration demonstrate forward-thinking strategies aligning with broader societal trends towards workplace safety and technological responsibility. Additionally, proposed reforms targeting bureaucratic inefficiencies (e.g., one-stop permit systems) may pave paths for creative growth while reducing entry barriers posed by favoritism or financial prerequisites.

Kerala’s endeavor resonates beyond cinema-it hints at establishing more structured avenues appealing to stakeholders across culture-based industries nationwide. If successfully implemented with accountability structures intact, this conclave could provide replicable mechanisms boosting openness across India’s diverse entertainment landscapes.

Read More: Full Article from The Hindu