Fourteen candidates have been selected for the employment training programme initiated by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy as part of measures to increase the presence of women in the technical departments of Malayalam cinema, said a press release from the office of Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian.
The selected candidates are Sreekala S. and Anamika Asok N. (production management), Veena B. and Julia G. (lighting), Kavitha Bhama P.V. and Divya K.R. (art and design), Aswini Nair K.P. and Pooja S. Kumar (costume), Reshma M. and Rimna P. (makeup), Saniya S. and Santhy Krishna V.R. (post-production supervision), Dhanya V. Nair and Nivya V.G. (marketing and publicity).
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission as part of the 100-day action plan of the third anniversary of the second Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. Women interested in working in the film industry were selected through a two-stage process based on specific criteria.
A committee comprising representatives from the Chalachitra Academy, Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission, and the Labour Commissionerate initially shortlisted 47 qualified candidates from 130 applicants for the first phase through an orientation camp. The camp was held from September 27 to 29, 2024, at Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, with 30 women participating. Based on their performance, 14 candidates were selected across seven categories to undergo intensive practical training in their respective fields.
During the training period, a stipend will be provided through the Chalachitra Academy. Upon completion, opportunities will be facilitated for employment in professional film production companies.
Technicians actively working in Malayalam cinema will conduct the training. The programme aims to provide practical knowledge, enhance existing skills, and expand employment opportunities for women in the film industry.
Published – March 08, 2025 09:28 pm IST
