Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Chalachitra Academy might just start a special screening for migrant labourers in the city. Especially as they live in significant numbers in Thiruvananthapuram. This was the response when DC asked if the Academy would start an initiative offering screenings for migrant labourers. Both Academy chairman Kamal and vice-chairperson Beena Paul said that a special screening could be arranged. “We haven’t thought about it. But it can be done,” said Beena Paul.
As per a study by Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation for Kerala’s department of labour and skills, Kerala had over 25 lakh migrant labourers in 2013. The number has only risen over the last four years. Migrants from 194 districts across the country, including those from Baramulla which shares a border with Pakistan, have been found working in Kerala. Selection of films for them could bring an interesting mix of Bhojpuri and Bengali films to Kerala. “Migrant labourers come from as far as Nepal. Choosing films for such a wide and varied audience is not easy,” says Kamal.
There are migrant labourers working at the food counters at the main festival venue. One of them, Azghar, from Jharkhand, said, “I like watching films, but not the ones shown at the festival.” When DC asked if it would be possible to give IFFK passes on discount to migrant labourers or dedicate one screening for them, Kamal said that it was not practical. “We can think of a special screening,” he said.
