With the #MeToo storm of 2018 having subsided and some of the suspected sex pests having been quietly rehabilitated while others try to browbeat their way through, many fear that the film industry is set to return to the ignoble status quo of brushing criminal and unethical acts under the red carpet.
Now, the Screen Writers' Association and the Cine and Television Artistes Association (CINTAA) have joined hands to prevent just that. Both associations are signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to come together to handle the problems faced by their members. The issues range from sexual harassment complaints to payment problems, copyright issues and other legal problems.
Actor Sushant Singh, general secretary, CINTAA, said the two associations are the backbone of the film and television industry and can work more effectively together. "With a lot of members from CINTAA and SWA turning producers, there are chances of conflict. The idea is for both associations to form joint committees to address complaints. Together they will have more power, be respected and feared more."
The two organizations felt the need to join hands to combat problems common to both after actor Alok Nath's refusal to respond to the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA) following writer Vinta Nanda's accusation of rape at the height of last year's #MeToo controversy.
Sunil Salgia, general secretary, SWA: "The idea is to fight and take action. The MoU will compel members to attend hearings or else they couldn't expect cooperation in a personal grievance."
Correction, 2:05 pm IST: CINTAA and the SWA are not part of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) as the report mentioned earlier.