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Thiruvananthapuram: It is not the first time that Adoor Gopalakrishnan is finding himself in a tight spot. However, this time it was in an alleged statement where he made comments against SC/ST and woman film makers. Director Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s remarks over extending financial support to Scheduled Caste (SC) and women film-makers sparked a controversy at the closing ceremony of the Kerala Film Policy Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram on August 3.
While addressing a crowd, Adoor criticised the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) for providing what he termed excessive funding to directors from the SC community.
The comments however was not received well by many film-makers and critics who said that Adoor’s comments reflected his mindset and mentality.
Minister for cultural affairs Saji Cherian refuted to the comments made by Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
“Those from SC backgrounds should be given at least three months of training under experienced film-makers before being supported. The `1.5-crore grant should be split among three people, rather than funding one project. Government money shouldn’t be used just because the film has a superstar or simply because the director is a woman,” Adoor said. Further, he claimed that many of the films funded under the initiative lacked quality and artistic value.
Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian, while presenting a report on the two-day conclave, rebutted Adoor’s statements. He said the filmmakers were selected by an expert committee based on merit and their work reflects deep social and creative commitment.
“The fact is that people from the SC communities were kept out of mainstream cinema for nearly a century. The government’s decision to support them is both timely and essential. This is the first time many of them are getting to direct a film. We have also taken steps to empower women and recognise transgender artists,” the minister said.
The government will not backtrack on its inclusive film policy, he stressed.
“This is a conscious decision to correct historical imbalances. We will continue to provide support,” he said.
Several filmmakers and film associations deemed Adoor’s comments dismissive of the government’s efforts to democratise filmmaking and bring under-represented voices to the fore.
“It is highly unfortunate. A filmmaker of his stature shouldn’t have made such remarks, especially at an event like this,” said filmmaker Kamal. No one enters filmmaking without preparation or intent, he said. “To question the opportunities given to a long-oppressed community is disappointing,” Kamal said.
Singer-composer Pushpavathy Poypadathu pointed out that access to education for people from the scheduled castes and tribes became a reality only in recent decades.
“For decades, we have lived under oppression, enslaved by a system that denied us dignity. The Left government’s policy to support marginalised voices in cinema is a step towards justice. His remarks overlook this long struggle, and they should be condemned,” she said.
