The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) Directors Union, which comprises directors, assistants and associates, has issued a statement saying that the names of all those accused of sexual misconduct in the Hema Committee report should be released to the public. FEFKA is the next major union in the industry after the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA).

“FEFKA’s considered opinion is that the Hema Committee report must reveal the names of all those who have committed sexual harassment. It would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter pending before the Hon’ble High Court,” the statement said.

The association welcomed the appointment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Kerala government to report sexual crimes in Malayalam cinema and punish the culprits through proper investigation.

A core committee of women members of FEFKA will be tasked with preparing the victims to lodge complaints, take legal action and ensure all possible legal aid. It has been decided to approach the Special Investigation Team and seek the services of an expert clinical psychologist to allay the fears of the victims and initiate legal proceedings, FEFKA said in a statement.

It said that in the event that FEFKA members are accused, organisational disciplinary action will be taken regardless of the nature of police investigation, court proceedings, evidentiary referral, finding or arrest.

It also said it hoped that the resignation of the entire executive committee of AMMA would mark the beginning of a revolutionary renewal of that organisation.

On August 19, the Hema Committee report was made public and exposed the darkest secrets of the Malayalam film industry. It exposed rampant sexual harassment, casting couch practices, pay disparities, lobbying and other systemic issues. Following the report, several women accused actors and directors of sexual abuse, which revived the #MeToo movement in the Malayalam industry.