Authority Still a Distant Dream for Women in Malayalam Film Industry

Despite talk of reform and conclaves, they still struggle to claim leadership of key bodies

- ANNA JOSE @Kochi

EVEN after the Hema Committee report, the Film Policy Conclave, and countless panel discussions on women's empowerment, women in the Malayalam film industry continue to face formidable roadblocks when attempting to lead.

The latest controversies surrounding the elections to the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) make it brutally clear—the industry's core remains resistant to female leadership.

Several women candidates—including prominent names like Shwetha Menon, Sandra Thomas, Kukkoo Parameswaran, and Pushpavathy—continue to be at the receiving end of targeted allegations and procedural hurdles, just as they step up to contest for top positions.

"These developments show how male-dominant film bodies are," said producer Sandra Thomas.