Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 18 (PTI) In a setback to a group of film personalities seeking to establish a new film organisation amid a scandal-rocked movie industry in Kerala, director Lijo Jose Pellissery clarified on Wednesday that he is not currently part of the collective initiated by director Aashiq Abu. The clarification came a day after media reports stated that Pellissery was involved in the new film body which aims to revitalise the sector and promote a fair and just workplace, according to its initiators. "I am not currently part of the film collective being publicised in the media," Pellissery wrote on his Facebook page.
He explained that his friend and director, Abu, had shared the idea of such a collective with him. "I agree with the concept of an independent alliance of creative filmmakers and welcome such an initiative. However, if I were to join such a collective, I would make an official announcement.
Until then, any information circulating in my name is without my knowledge or consent," the 'Amen' director said. A vision note for the proposed Progressive Filmmakers' Association, circulated among industry members, has been signed by several notable filmmakers, including Anjali Menon, Pellissery, Rajeev Ravi, and Aashiq Abu, as well as actress Rima Kallingal and producer Bineesh Chandra. According to the vision note, the Malayalam film industry, despite its significant contribution to the state's economy and cultural landscape, remains tethered to outdated systems.