Kerala film body rejects blame for adversely affecting society: ‘Cinema reflects societal conditions, doesn’t create any’

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FEFKA also pointed out that it is important to look at the deeper reasons for violence instead of blaming cinema for the same. “Society plays a very important role in shaping people. We still live in places where parents or society are unwilling to address mental health issues among young people. Violence is not a spontaneous act triggered by films but is shaped by long-standing social conditions, economic insecurities, alienation and marginalisation,” read the statement, which also pointed out there is an explosion of information thanks to the digital era.

This backlash from various sections of society got louder after the release of Marco, which was called out for its grotesque and gratifying violence. Incidentally, such parallels were also drawn during the release of Anjaam Paathira and Drishyam for ‘influencing real-life crimes.’ But FEFKA stood firm in its statement that art only reflects societal conditions but doesn’t create any. Another aspect of the criticism that they particularly took offence too was the calls for stricter censorship.

Pointing out that it was simply authoritarian, FEFKA said that such calls were akin to justifying the censorship forced by religious fundamentalists against authors like Salman Rushdie, and a slippery slope that would force people to question the literary value of noted authors like M Mukundan. “Did those who watch films of Quentin Tarantino and Michael Hanake become bad people? It’s time to take a reality check.”

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The film body minced no words in calling out student organisations for not tackling the drug usage in their institutions instead of blaming cinema for increased drug usage. “Rather than engaging in critical self-reflection, some find it easier to blame cinema, and make it a scapegoat.” Nevertheless, FEFKA also underlined the need for self-reflection, and admitted that there is a certain glorification of violence that is happening in Malayalam cinema. Without stepping down from their stance, the organisation did agree to have fair and measured discussions about the various aspects of cinema without resorting to the blame game. “Cinema ultimately stands on the side of humanity,” the statement said.