Mitta Antony has become the first female make-up artist to be a member of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) make-up union.
Mitta Antony has become the first female make-up artist to be a member of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) make-up union.
Mitta Antony was on the verge of giving up her career as a makeup artist when the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) make-up union finally decided to grant her membership this week. But, that decision, which makes her the first make-up woman to get membership in the union, comes after years of rejection, struggle and despair. When he applied for membership eleven years ago, he was rejected.
The recognition that comes with working as a make-up artist in 37 films will pave the way for more women to enter the field, Ms Antony said in an interview. Hindu on Wednesday.
entering the field
“During my younger days, I used to marvel at Mammootty’s transformation Ponthan Mada Or the kind of looks Kamal Haasan experimented with for many films. Although I didn’t know I’d be a makeup artist back then, I’ve always been fascinated by the possibilities of using makeup to transform my looks. I initially took the traditional course for higher education and left only to take the diploma course in makeup. I got my first chance to do makeup for a concert on a channel in 2006-07. In later years, I did more courses and worked in Arabic, Hindi, Tamil and Bhojpuri films.”
first in india
After her membership request was rejected in 2011, she realized that no woman in any film industry in India was recognized as a registered makeup artist. Some other women, who were being denied opportunities, were already fighting the case, which led to the Supreme Court in 2014 quashing a rule that prohibited women from working as registered make-up artists. was.
“I continued to work in documentaries and some government projects. Then in 2017 I got a chance to do makeup euphoriaMy first Malayalam film. In 2018, Anjali Menon gave me a chance to do makeup litter, which proved to be a big break for me. Without his offer, I would not have managed to enter the mainstream Malayalam industry and work for a big banner. Since then I have worked in films like Shyamaprasad’s Kasiminte Kadali and don palathara 1956, Central Travancore, But, it has been a struggle to survive, as I can’t find enough work to take care of my two kids. I was about to give up and start a business when the recognition of this official association came. Now, I won’t give up. It is my dream to be a part of major productions,” says Ms. Antony.
WCC Support
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), which is supporting her, called FEFKA’s decision a historic victory. WCC hoped that the move would pave the way for more women to be recognized as makeup artists through union cards and get equal opportunities in the Malayalam film industry. Although many women serve as personal makeup artists to actors, none of them can be official makeup artists in a film, unless they have union membership.