As the open revolt by WCC members against the actors’ guild AMMA entered Day 2 on Thursday, a series of hashtag campaigns were started on social media offering support to the women who decided to fight. A year ago, when the assaulted actress chose to fight with a group of her colleagues rallying behind her, a #withher campaign was kickstarted, soon to be followed by a #withhim campaign in support of Dileep, who was arrested in the case. This time, three campaigns have started in support of the current imbroglio — #July1NoMovie, #MediaWithTheSurvivor and #FreecinemaFromMafia.
The #July1NoMovie started by UN environment expert Muralee Thummarukudy exhorts movie buffs in Kerala to boycott films in theatres on Sunday to ‘let the superstars know that the public is aware of their acts behind the screens too’. In a detailed note on social media, Muralee says, “If this is the way the leaders of an organisation react to women’s issues in full public glare, what must be their attitude towards women while being away from the camera lens or silver screen? What all must be our women facing during the struggle to survive in the film industry? Won’t there be Frankenstein monsters like Weinstein right before our eyes?” he asks. The campaign has garnered wide support with several netizens joining it.
Only a day ago had lawyer Harish Vasudevan announced on social media that he would hereafter boycott all movies of which AMMA members are a part. “I will watch and encourage only movies of actors who take a stand against AMMA’s decision. I would also boycott the channels, which will purchase the satellite rights of the AMMA actors’ movies,” his post reads.
The #MediaWithTheSurvivor has print, visual, online journalists offering support to the assaulted actress’ stance. A widely shared post with the hashtag reads, “We mediapersons respect the decision of the four women to fight against the patriarchy of cinema and enter the public sphere. Bhavana, Rima, Geethu and Remya took the difficult decision after putting their trust in the law, political leadership, human beings and media. Embracing their trust as ours too, we offer them unconditional solidarity (sic).”
The #FreeCinemaFromMafia campaign of which directors Dr Biju and Prathap Joseph are part of, lashes out against the ‘undemocratic, criminal’ organisations in the industry. “There are unwritten laws for filmmakers in Malayalam to earn membership in all the associations that are linked to each other by paying a hefty sum as membership fee. If not, their films will be denied permission for censoring, distribution and screening… The government should immediately take charge of the titling and registration of movies and control the mafia activities in the industry,” he posts.
