Sun Aug 03 15:31:54 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary of the text:**
The closing ceremony of the Kerala Film Policy Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram was marked by a debate sparked by veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s criticism of state government initiatives to support filmmakers from Scheduled Caste/Tribe communities and women. Gopalakrishnan argued that the funds allocated were prone to corruption and that beneficiaries lacked adequate training. He suggested reducing the funding and providing intensive training. Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian countered that the funding was crucial for providing opportunities to marginalized communities historically excluded from Malayalam cinema and emphasized the rigorous selection process. Gopalakrishnan also called for higher delegate fees for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and criticized the 2023 student protests at the K.R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts. Minister Cherian defended the institute’s current operations and affirmed the importance of the K. Hema Committee report in shaping the conclave’s discussions.
**Here’s the news article version:**
**Kerala Film Policy Conclave Ends in Controversy: Veteran Filmmaker’s Remarks on Affirmative Action Stir Debate**
**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, August 3, 2025** – The Kerala Film Policy Conclave concluded Sunday amidst heated debate, triggered by comments from veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan regarding state government initiatives aimed at supporting filmmakers from Scheduled Caste/Tribe communities and women.
Gopalakrishnan, a prominent figure in Indian cinema, voiced concerns about the potential for corruption in the government’s allocation of ₹1.5 crore for SC/ST filmmakers. He argued that beneficiaries require more extensive training and that the funding should be reduced to ₹50 lakh. “The government is paving the way for corruption,” he stated, adding that the funds are not intended for commercial films. He also questioned the rationale behind providing financial assistance to women filmmakers solely based on their gender, advocating for comprehensive training in filmmaking.
Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian strongly refuted Gopalakrishnan’s claims, emphasizing the historical exclusion of marginalized communities from Malayalam cinema. Cherian asserted that even the allocated ₹1.5 crore was insufficient for quality film production and that the funding was a vital step towards providing opportunities to new filmmakers from these communities. He highlighted the rigorous selection process overseen by a committee of experts.
Gopalakrishnan’s remarks were met with disapproval from some audience members, including singer Pushpavathy, who accused him of undermining a project designed to uplift marginalized communities. “Our forefathers have experienced slave-like conditions. It has just been decades since we started getting proper education. Any attempt to torpedo such projects has to be opposed,” she said.
The filmmaker also suggested increasing delegate fees for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) to ensure genuine interest in cinema. He further criticized the 2023 student protests at the K.R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, where he previously served as chairperson.
Cherian countered Gopalakrishnan’s claims, defending the institute’s current effectiveness and affirming the significance of the K. Hema Committee report in the conclave’s deliberations, despite claims that the Hema committee report has had no effect. The incident has ignited a wider discussion on affirmative action in the arts and the role of government support in promoting diversity and inclusion within the film industry.
First Piper 