In a significant development for the Tollywood film industry, Tollygunge BJP MLA Papiya Adhikary announced the formation of the Eastern India Motion Pictures & Cultural Confederation (EIMPCC) on Wednesday. The event, held at the Technicians' Studio, was attended by major stakeholders and actors from the Bengali film industry. Adhikary has taken over as the president of this newly introduced organization, which aims to address long-standing grievances against the Federation of Cine Technicians of Eastern India (FCTWEI).
Key Objectives of EIMPCC
The EIMPCC intends to implement a maximum 12-hour shift for technicians, a move that seeks to resolve complaints of monopoly and high-handedness that have plagued the FCTWEI. According to Adhikary, the confederation will streamline operations and ensure a fair work culture. She stated that the EIMPCC was formed "long ago" but faced severe resistance whenever it tried to become active or recruit members. The central registration of the organization was questioned, leading to claims that it was an invalid body.
Dissolution of the Federation
During Wednesday's meeting, the FCTWEI was dissolved, a decision that Adhikary described as "highly sensitive." She revealed plans to meet with producers and later review the Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA). Adhikary alleged that the Federation had been involved in money siphoning, with producers financially exploited and individuals forced to pay a 2.5% to 7% kickback to secure work. She also accused the Federation of maintaining a "gunda bahini" (gang of thugs) that targeted protesters.
Industry Reactions
Many industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that it will usher in a better work culture and attract more investment and employment opportunities. Producer Himanshu Dhanuka, whose film shoots in London were stalled twice due to Federation issues, said, "I hope we will no longer suffer the way we have over the past decade." However, some have raised questions about the legitimacy of dissolving the Federation in this manner.
Concerns Raised
Director Sanghamitra Chaudhuri, who had previously been associated with the EIMPCC, questioned the abrupt dissolution. She noted that the EIMPCC was originally formed in 2018-2019 by those with nationalist sentiments and questioned whether guilds could be abolished this way. Director Indranil Roy Chowdhury, one of the litigants who took the Federation to court, expressed a preference for reforming the Federation rather than dissolving it, acknowledging its legitimate functions while condemning its abusive management.
New Structure and Initiatives
Adhikary identified five key individuals—Hassan, Babai, Sujit Hazra, Swapan Majumdar, and Bapi Malakar—as "sinners" responsible for the Federation's misconduct. She announced that the 26 guilds under the Federation have been dissolved and will be replaced by four streamlined guilds for directors, cinematographers, production controllers, and art and costume departments. Director Srijit Mukherji suggested retaining the guild for art and costume. Each department will be managed by two coordinators available at the Technicians' Studio thrice a week to register names and credentials.
Introduction of SIR System
The EIMPCC is also introducing an SIR (Screening or Selection) system in Tollywood to expose individuals who bought their way into jobs. Adhikary assured that all deserving technicians would get work and that the confederation would take responsibility for the healthcare needs of members and their families.
