The code of conduct issued by the film’s producers, Kabini Films, lists acts that can be construed as sexual harassment.
In what may be the first time in Malayalam cinema sets, a production company has constituted an internal complaints committee to address complaints, if any, of sexual harassment at the workplace. Producer of Sena Hegde’s upcoming film ‘1744 White Alto’ A four-member committee was formed before its shooting, which has now started at Kanhangad in Kasaragod district.
The initiative comes at a time when women in cinema collectives (WCC) are pressing for formation of an internal complaints committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women in Film (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (POSH Act) 2013. production set.
The code of conduct, issued by Kabini Films, for the film’s producers, cast and crew lists acts that may be considered sexual harassment.
Subjecting anyone to unwanted sexually determined behavior (whether directly or implicitly), by physical contact and advances, soliciting sexual favors or remarks of sexual color, showing pornography or any other unwelcome form of sexual physical, verbal or Conducting non-verbal nature. Presence or occurrence or implementation of implied or explicit promise of preferential behavior in employment, threat of harmful treatment or threat about current or future employment or work interference or intimidating or aggressive or hostile actions Creating an environment that is likely to affect the health or safety of the employee, according to the Code of Conduct, may be considered sexual harassment.
According to Sreejit Nair, one of the producers of the film, it is a continuation of the best practices that the makers have been a part of the IT industry over the years.
“Such internal mechanisms to address complaints of sexual harassment have been part of all these workplaces we have been a part of. Our executive producer Ambli, one of the committee members, spent some time with each artist to explain the committee’s purpose and how they could use it. We are not sure if we are the first production house to do this in Malayalam, but it is definitely something that is needed,” he says.
He is producing the film along with Vinod Diwakar and Mrinal Mukundan. Director Sena Hegde made her debut with ‘Thinklazcha Nishyam’Which won the second best film award at the State Film Awards 2021.
The WCC had filed a petition in the Kerala High Court in 2018 against the lack of a redressal mechanism. Recently, the Kerala Commission for Women also lobbied in the matter, stating that the government should ensure that the Malayalam Movie Artists Association (AMMA) has an internal complaints committee, as per the Vishaka guidelines as well as the POSH Act, 2013. ) be installed. All movie sets.
After the Commission for Women in Maharashtra took a tough stand a few years back, the Producers Guild of India has taken steps to ensure that the film is shot in compliance with the POSH Act. The makers of ‘1744 White Alto’ also referred to the Guild’s Handbook for structuring their policy.
The Guild’s instructions are now being followed on the sets of the film in Mumbai. Now with a foray into the Malayalam industry, more film sets are expected to follow.
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