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Kerala to draft film policy in 3 months to safeguard women, curb trolling: Minister

Kerala's Culture Affairs Minister Saji Cherian has announced that the state will frame a comprehensive film policy within the next three months. Speaking at the Kerala Film Policy Conclave, Cherian said the policy will focus on creating a safer, more equitable environment for film and television professionals, especially from the Hema Committee report, which was commissioned after allegations of exploitation in the Malayalam film industry, the policy aims to tackle systemic issues. 'When people enter the industry with passion for cinema, that passion is being exploited,' Cherian said, referring to incidents that triggered widespread outrage and led to the formation of the the key suggestions that emerged at the conclave were provision of maternity leave for women technicians, nurseries on film sets for children, fixed working hours, and basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms for junior artists. The minister said all such proposals would be discussed and implemented in the final policy. The issue of online trolling and cyberbullying also came up for serious discussion. 'We will give serious legal consideration to how we can deal with cyber harassment,' Cherian said, adding that concerns regarding the censor board's operations will be taken up with the point of contention raised during the conclave was the practice of film reviewers publishing reviews on the day of a movie's release. While acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression, the minister said early reviews often impact a film's commercial prospects. 'A lot of money is invested in one film and thousands depend on it. We are thinking about bringing changes that can address all concerns,' he on shooting in forest areas and the need to engage with the Forest Department were also flagged, with Cherian stating that he has already spoken to the Forest Minister and would bring the matter to the Chief Minister's new policy will not be limited to the film industry alone. 'Though we've called it a film policy, issues of the television industry will also be addressed,' Cherian minister emphasised that the policy is being shaped through wide consultation and is aimed at ensuring dignity, fairness, and sustainability in Kerala's vibrant cinema and TV ecosystem.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Kerala