Historic move: FEFKA, Producers Association to end gruelling 16-hour shifts for Mollywood crew

Kochi: Soon, the days of light boys, cameramen, and technicians working gruelling 16-hour shifts may finally be over. In a crucial meeting held in Kochi on Wednesday, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Kerala Film Producers Association have decided to cap working hours in the Malayalam film industry at 12 hours a day. The move marks a significant shift for an industry that has long relied on relentless manpower and extended workdays to complete productions.

Most film shoots span anywhere between 40 and 100 days, often involving continuous and exhausting hours of work. Over time, this demanding schedule takes a serious toll on the physical and mental well-being of crew members. A source from FEFKA stressed the urgency of the decision, pointing out how taxing the current system has been.

“On a regular shoot day, work may go on for 16 hours. While most pack up after that, light boys and others involved with camera work often spend another two hours wrapping up equipment. By the end of the schedule, they are completely drained. It puts a toll on their health,” the source said. Such concerns have prompted the Film Employees Federation to raise the issue before the producers, following which three rounds of discussions were held. The Producers’ Association will hold a final meeting with FEFKA to chalk out a few details regarding the new changes. A final meeting will be held before January 14,” said director and FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan.

He also described the decision as a historic moment for Malayalam cinema. Speaking to Onmanorama, he expressed gratitude to the Kerala Film Producers Association for acknowledging and addressing the long-standing demands of the film employees.
During earlier discussions, there were deliberations about demanding higher wages. However, Unnikrishnan clarified that FEFKA has consciously decided not to push for a wage hike at this stage, recognising that reducing working hours itself would increase the financial burden on producers.
“The producers’ association members have been considerate of our concerns. We u­nderstand that cutting down work hours to 12 will impact their budgets. That’s precisely why we are not demanding an immediate hike in wages,” he said. “A new agreement will be drawn up to formalise the reduced working hours. While this may naturally lead to a marginal increase in wages, detailed discussions on that will take place next year."

Other industries have already established fixed work schedules for their employees, but Mollywood cinema, though a bit late, is taking a step in the right direction with this new decision.