Ranjit Thakur
GOA, Nov 21: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) began its series of discussions with a panel on women’s Safety and Cinema, featuring prominent industry figures.
Click here to watch video
Moderated by actor-producer Vani Tripathi Tikoo, the panel included filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, actors Suhasini Maniratnam, Kushboo Sundar, and Bhumi Pednekar. The session highlighted key issues surrounding workplace safety, gender equality, and the role of cinema in shaping societal attitudes.
The panellists unanimously agreed that tolerance for gender injustice is unacceptable. Suhasini Maniratnam emphasized the need for women to take control of their roles and negotiate for better representation, instead of being passive participants. She also called for a greater understanding of work ethics across the industry.
Imtiaz Ali advocated for creating film sets where women can work without fear of harassment, stressing that safety and respect must be foundational in all work environments.
Addressing the portrayal of women on-screen, Bhumi Pednekar highlighted the direct link between respectful representation in films and the creation of safer, more empowering workplaces. Kushboo Sundar, while focusing on entertainment, emphasized her commitment to equality and responsible filmmaking.
The session also featured interactive discussions with the audience, who raised questions about the changing role of women in cinema and how the industry can foster inclusivity.
The panel concluded with a collective call for cinema to lead by example, ensuring that women are both portrayed with dignity on screen and protected behind the scenes.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
