By Web Desk
Kochi: The Producers Association has expelled filmmaker Sandra Thomas for breaching disciplinary conduct. This action was taken after the Hema Committee report was released and following criticisms raised against the actress’ organization. The Producers Association had sought clarification on the comments made by Sandra but found the explanation unsatisfactory. Consequently, a show-cause notice was issued, which was also deemed unsatisfactory, leading to her expulsion for misconduct.
Sandra had previously filed a complaint, alleging that during a meeting related to film distribution, the office bearers of the association spoke in a derogatory manner, publicly insulting her. Following her complaint, the office bearers were charged by the police, with an FIR being registered by the Ernakulam Central Police.
In response, Sandra Thomas claimed that the action was retaliatory. She criticized the association for lacking a women-friendly atmosphere, accusing them of trying to silence her and, by extension, other women within the organization. She further alleged that the aim of the Producers Association, following the release of the Hema report, was to prevent any further complaints from women. Sandra also stated that Anto Joseph had caused her significant distress.
Earlier, Sandra had harshly criticized the Producers Association, accusing it of operating as a power group where decisions were made by one or two individuals without consulting the others. She claimed that the organization failed to keep members informed. Sandra, along with filmmaker Sheelu Kurian, had written letters demanding leadership changes in the organization, calling the discussions around issues faced by women filmmakers a mockery.
In the context of the Hema Committee report, a meeting was called to discuss the challenges faced by female filmmakers in the industry. Sandra Thomas described it as a farce in her letter, stating that the Producers Association had failed to provide a clear response when asked about the contents of the letter issued after the Hema Committee report.
