Parambrata Chatterjee: The Federation seems to be autocratic, shouldn’t single out directors’ guild

In the Bengali entertainment industry, the Federation of Cine Technicians & Workers of Eastern India has said that it would take responsibility for the safety of women and children working in every stage of the industry. The first step towards such an initiative is an app, Suraksha Bandhu. Interestingly, while EIMPA is also associated with the initiative, the Directors' Guild is not. 

It has been known since the clash between the directors and the technicians about director Rahool Mukherjee that the Directors' Guild was not pleased with the Federation. It was also rumored that the Guild did not want to stay under the Federation. Now, Parambrata Chatterjee expressed his anger. In an interview with Anandabazar Online, he said, “We have not yet decided to separate from the organization. But now we think the Federation does not want to walk along with the Guild.” 

Parambrata further said, “Federation's effort to make a safety committee is laudable. But where is the director's place there? Swarup Biswas discussed this with EIMPA but did not say anything about this to the Guild. He did not invite any director to the discussion or seek their opinions. On the other hand, the organization's president told the media that the majority of molestation complaints are raised against the directors or the producers. This statement accused 600 directors at a go, which was insulting.” 

According to Parambrata, anyone from the industry can be a perpetrator and he failed to see why only directors are singled out. He said, “It seems the Federation president is settling the score of the clash that happened over Rahool.” He said, “We are also hearing many complaints about the president. They have no proof and hence we did not talk about it to the media. But Swarup tagged a group so easily!” 

Parambrata also said that while the entire Kolkata buzzed against the heinous rape and murder of the lady doctor at RG Kar Hospital, the Federation did not release any statement. Many technicians wanted to join the rally called by the Tollywood artists, but the Federation did not allow them. He lamented 'We are united and complement each other? Why this division then?' 

After rounds of meetings, the Directors' Guild released a statement on Thursday. It said that recently a committee named Women's Forum of Screen Workers Plus was formed and the Guild had no qualms to help the Federation in that respect. Parambrata said 'We have no complaints against the technicians who are like our family. But those who claim to be their mouthpieces have questionable intent. Trade Unions are definitely needed in a workplace, but it does not mean that the union will be autocratic or be the rule maker. That is not legal.” 

Will the directors make a new committee in the future, ignoring Suraksha Bandhu? Parambrata said 'No such decision has been taken yet.'