Goa: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opened with a powerful panel discussion focused on Women’s Safety and Cinema, addressing the crucial issues surrounding gender representation, workplace safety, and the role cinema plays in shaping societal values. Moderated by renowned actor and producer Vani Tripathi Tikoo, the discussion brought together an esteemed panel of experts including filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, actors Suhasini Maniratnam, Kushboo Sundar, and Bhumi Pednekar.
The panellists shared personal experiences and insights on how the film industry can better support and empower women, both in front of and behind the camera. The conversation emphasized the importance of fostering a safe, inclusive environment where women in the film industry can work without fear of harassment or exploitation.
A key focus of the discussion was the industry’s response to instances of harassment. The panel unanimously agreed that tolerance for gender injustice on film sets is no longer acceptable. Suhasini Maniratnam shared her own experience, highlighting the discrepancy in how male actors often make changes to scenes, while women rarely have the opportunity to do the same. She urged that women take charge of their representation, negotiate their roles, and demand the respect they deserve on set. “Women should not be passive participants in their own stories,” she stated, stressing the importance of industry professionals understanding work ethics and responsibility.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the film industry must cultivate a work culture where women can focus entirely on the art without worrying about how they will be treated. “Filmmakers cannot afford to be tolerant of gender injustice on sets,” he remarked.
The conversation also tackled the issue of how women are portrayed on screen, and how these portrayals influence the creation of a safe and respectful working environment. Bhumi Pednekar passionately argued that the dignity with which women are represented in films plays a vital role in ensuring a safer and more empowering environment for women in the industry. “The way women are portrayed on screen shapes society’s perception and creates a respectful space for them to thrive,” she said.
Actor Kushboo Sundar added her perspective, explaining that while she is focused on making entertaining films, she does so with a strong commitment to equality and respect. “My work may be entertaining, but it will always uphold the principles of dignity and equality,” she affirmed, reinforcing the idea that responsible filmmaking can have a powerful impact on gender dynamics in the industry.
The panel’s discussion also engaged the audience, who raised important questions about the evolving role of women in cinema and the steps the industry can take to create more inclusive, safe spaces for them to succeed.
As the first panel discussion of IFFI 2024, this session set a strong precedent for the festival, emphasizing that while cinema celebrates the art of filmmaking, it must also critically examine the industry’s responsibility in shaping a safer, more inclusive future for all.