Malayalam film producer Sandra Thomas, who is embroiled in a long-standing dispute with the top leadership of the Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA), arrived at the Association’s office in Kochi on Saturday dressed in a burqa to file her nomination for the upcoming executive committee elections scheduled for August 14.
Sandra is contesting for the post of president amid ongoing tensions with the current office-bearers. She has been vocal about the challenges faced by women producers and has alleged harassment by members of the association.
Following the release of the Hema Committee report last year, she filed a sexual harassment case against several KFPA members. Her criticism intensified after what she described as a delayed and inadequate response from the association to the report.
Speaking to the media after filing her nomination, Sandra said that wearing the burqa was a symbolic protest against the continued presence of those accused in the association.
“I felt this was the most appropriate attire to wear here after everything I’ve experienced. This place has been monopolised for years by a group of 10 to 15 men,” she said.
“The burqa I wore—often associated with Islam—has nothing to do with religion. I am a practising Christian; the burqa is also worn by Sarah in the Bible. I chose this garment because, given my past experiences, it felt like the most fitting thing to wear before these office-bearers.”
Her rift with the association deepened after she wrote to the executive committee, criticising the leadership’s silence on the Hema Committee report, which highlighted systemic issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. She also accused senior members of misconduct.
In response, the association sought an explanation from Sandra. However, finding her reply unsatisfactory, they issued a show-cause notice, which eventually led to her removal from the association. In her complaints, Sandra alleged that senior officials used derogatory language during a meeting on film distribution, prompting her to file a police case.
Sandra has consistently called for a change in the KFPA leadership, accusing it of being controlled by a select group with vested interests.