GECs
Women employment in film and television industry drops: Study
MUMBAI: A study released by the “Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego University” reveals that female representation behind the scenes in film and television industry has reached an abysmal low.
Shocking figure reveals there were more female directors in late 90’s than we have today. Since 1998, the number of women directing any of the top 250 highest grossing films has dropped by two per cent. Which shows why we had to wait till 2010 to break the deadlock for a female director to win an Oscar for direction (Kathryn Bigelow, won the title for her film The Hurt Locker in 2010).
Music composing and sound designing witnesses the poorest results, one per cent of all composers and only five per cent of all sound designers are women. Only three per cent of the movies had more the 10 female employees and 38 per cent of the films choose not to employ a woman in the crucial behind the scenes role.
The production field gives us a better figure as we see women having little stronger representation as producers (23 per cent) and executive producers (19 per cent) compared to other behind the scenes roles.
In 2011 – 12, female representation as editor in documentaries and narrative features increased to 25 per cent from 23 per cent in 2008- 09 but unfortunately the percentile dropped to 20 in 2013 – 14.
The study also reveals that the representation is much stronger when it comes to independent posts in documentaries and narrative features and hence this woman under employment crisis cannot be termed as lack of intent or quality, and the forging forward industry should ensure better results.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
