Women in Cinema Collective extends solidarity to KRNNIVSA students

Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) extended solidarity to the students of  KR Narayanan National Film Institute of Visual Science and Arts, Kottayam, who have been protesting against the alleged caste discrimination in the institution. 

WCC is the association formed by female artists and technicians of the Malayalam film industry, including actors Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rima Kallingal, Geethu Mohandas, and editor Bina Paul, in the aftermath of the 2017 female actor abduction and sexual assault incident.

Recently, the film school students launched an indefinite strike demanding the resignation of the institute director Shankar Mohan, who allegedly exhibited caste-based discrimination on the campus. 

The students alleged that Shankar, a former actor and filmmaker, asked conservancy workers to clean the toilets of the director's private residence breached students' reservation rules. Following this, the members of WCC, including Parvathy, Archana Padmini and many others.

WCC observed that it is crucial to have an environment that does not diminish our creative energy, whether studying film or working in the film industry. In a statement, WCC further added, "We all know that the denial of fundamental rights, any kind of discrimination, a lack of security and stability etc, are a hindrance to the growth of both cinema and those who work in this medium. The Women in Cinema Collective thus declares our whole-hearted support & solidarity to the students and staff of KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science & Arts who are courageously protesting against injustice & caste discrimination and seeking a democratic, just and discrimination-free environment for their education."