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The *Hema Committee Report* is a significant document addressing the systemic issues of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and exploitation within the Malayalam film industry. Formed in 2017, the committee was led by retired Kerala High Court Justice K. Hema, alongside former actress Sharada and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari. The report was finally released on August 19, 2024, after being submitted to the Kerala government in December 2019.

Background and Formation

The committee was established in response to a petition from the **Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)**, which arose following a high-profile case involving the abduction and sexual assault of a female actor in 2017. This incident highlighted the urgent need to investigate the pervasive issues of harassment and discrimination faced by women in the industry. The committee's formation was marked by challenges, including limited responses to public notices and logistical difficulties exacerbated by the 2018 Kerala floods[2][3].

Key Findings

The report reveals a grim reality for women working in various capacities within the Malayalam film industry, including actors, technicians, and support staff. It identifies at least **17 forms of exploitation**, including:

*Sexual demands* for roles and favors.
**Casting couch practices**, where women are pressured into sexual relationships to secure employment.
**Inadequate facilities**, such as the lack of toilets and safe transportation.
*Discrimination in pay* and working conditions, with many women facing significant disparities compared to their male counterparts.
**Fear of retaliation**, which silences many women from reporting harassment due to threats of being blacklisted or banned from the industry[1][4].

The report also notes that many women reported feeling unsafe due to the absence of basic amenities and protections, which are critical for their dignity and privacy while working on film sets[2][4].

Recommendations

In light of its findings, the Hema Committee made several key recommendations aimed at improving the situation for women in the industry:

*Establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC)**: The report recommends that all film production units establish ICCs as mandated by the **Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013**. These committees should include representatives from industry associations like the **Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA)* and the **Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA)**[1][2].

**Independent Tribunal Proposal**: The committee suggested creating an independent tribunal to handle cases of harassment and discrimination, ensuring privacy during proceedings[1].

**Mandatory Written Contracts**: It called for formal contracts for all employees, particularly junior artists, to protect their rights and clarify remuneration[1][4].

**Gender Awareness Training**: The report advocates for mandatory gender awareness training for all cast and crew members before production begins, to foster a more respectful and equitable work environment[1].

**Support for Women Producers**: It also recommends financial incentives and support systems to encourage women to take on production roles, including a streamlined process for obtaining loans and permissions for film production[1][2].

Impact and Reactions

The release of the Hema Committee Report has sparked significant discussion within the Malayalam film industry and beyond. Following its publication, several female actors have come forward with their own allegations of harassment, indicating a potential #MeToo movement within the industry. The report's findings have been characterized as a wake-up call, urging both industry leaders and civil society to address these deep-rooted issues of gender inequality and exploitation[2][4].

The report's release marks a critical juncture for the Malayalam film industry, highlighting the necessity for systemic change and the establishment of a safer, more equitable working environment for all individuals involved in film production.