Focus on women on and behind the screen

Women in Cinema Collective turns one

All smiles: State-award winning actor Pauly Valsan speaks at an event organised by the Women in Cinema Collective to mark its first anniversary in Kochi on Sunday.

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) observed its first anniversary here on Sunday with a discussion focussing on how women’s roles on and behind the screen could make a statement on today’s society.

Screening the iconic film Mirch Masala by Ketan Mehta, the WCC got around to discuss whether women could really become part of a film without having a male protagonist. While film director Kamal said that Kakkothikavile Appuppanthadikal was one such film, actor Revathi, who had acted in the film, wondered if films like that would be made today.

Film-maker Sibi Malayil said

Mirch Masala evokes the same feel that he had when he saw it 30 years ago. Attacks on women continue in this era. The WCC is the need of the time in the film industry where it can help make a difference, he said.

Speaking at the event, M. K. Muneer, MLA, said how the topic of women’s safety continues to be an issue in society today. The film also pointed the finger at the divisive forces that work towards breaking a collective, he added.

Actor Prakash Bare wondered about the limited years that women actors manage to remain in the limelight.

Reiterating a statement on the idea of feminism, Rima Kallingal said it is an ideology and not biology.