Govt shouldn't bankroll films based on gender, Adoor Gopalakrishnan bashes KSFDC initiative for women directors

Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has said that the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) should not release financial aid solely on the basis of a filmmaker's gender. Speaking at the Kerala government's Film Policy Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, he emphasised the need for proper training and accountability in the use of public funds. KSFDC launched Cinema for Women Directors in 2019-20 to increase the presence of women in leadership roles in the film industry. ₹3 crore is allotted for women directors each year at the rate of ₹1.5 crore per film. Five films were produced as part of this initiative in the past five years. 

"Funding should not be granted merely because someone expresses interest in making a film. That’s not encouragement—it’s negligence," Gopalakrishnan said. He proposed a mandatory three-month intensive training program for all aspiring filmmakers, irrespective of gender, covering aspects like budgeting and the technical and creative processes of filmmaking.

He noted that several beneficiaries of KSFDC funding in the past have raised complaints, often because they underestimated the challenges involved. "This is public money, collected from taxpayers. It should be used responsibly, especially when there are more pressing needs in society," he said.

Instead of the current practice of sanctioning ₹1.5 crore, Gopalakrishnan suggested capping the amount at ₹50 lakh, adding that the objective should be to promote meaningful cinema, not commercial projects with star-studded casts. "The government is not responsible for funding superstar films. The focus should be on supporting good cinema," he asserted.

Regarding women in cinema, he stressed the importance of more women directors but reiterated that financial support must be based on merit and preparedness, not gender. "Women should also undergo the same rigorous training. We need more women in the field, but they too must understand the challenges involved," he said, adding that the few women directors currently working are highly talented.

He also praised director Christo Tomy's film Ullozhukku, and criticised the state government for recognising it with only one award. "Christo studied at the Calcutta Film Institute for eight years before making his debut. Now, he’s overjoyed with the film winning regional honours at the 71st National Film Awards," he said.

Gopalakrishnan also spoke about corruption in the theatre sector and called for the implementation of an e-ticketing system. "There are instances where theatre owners deliberately avoid screening films featuring certain actors. Who gave them the right to decide this? It reflects a lack of regulation," he said.

He stressed the need for a legally recognised regulatory body or steering committee, with representation from the state government, to oversee issues in the industry.

Touching upon the protests at the K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, he called the strike "dirty". "It happened while the authorities were trying to instil discipline and bring the institute to national prominence," he said.