Film directors in West Bengal slam dominance of technicians in State’s film industry

Film directors voice concern over alleged arm-twisting by film technicians in the Bengali film industry.
| Photo Credit: DEBASISH BHADURI

Film directors in West Bengal have spoken up against the dominance of film technicians in the Bengali film industry, a day before the inauguration of the 30^th Kolkata International Film Festival, stirring up a debate.

The directors’ association has filed a case against the technicians’ federation to voice its concern on the arm-twisting culture promoted by the federation.

Kaushik Ganguly, one of the veteran directors of the Bengali film industry, voiced concern over the stringent rules of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI). He said that none of the film or television industries in the country had rules where directors were forced to hire a specific number of technicians even when not required.

Mr. Ganguly further said, “We have become helpless. We will not benefit from filing these complaints. But the only thing is we will get a little more freedom to make our films.” He added that this was a step to make the situation better for the dwindling Bengali film industry. 

“We are asking for a film and television policy from our government. We had 34 films in 2024… if the federation continues its politics and high-handedness, we will have zero films by 2026,” director Subrata Sen said.

Mr. Sen also said that the ongoing power struggle that first came to the fore on July 30 will never end if the directors only protested and did not take action. It was the reason he and the other directors of Bengal had decided to take legal action against the technicians’ federation. They also said that they had gathered supporting documents and had sent the same to Delhi to the Competition Commission of India for further action. 

Commenting on the matter, Mr. Sen told The Hindu, “We have not been able to get out of this deadlock for a while now, hence this final step. No one is concerned about the bigger picture that we all need to work together to help the dwindling Bengali film industry bounce back. Everyone is concerned about their personal and immediate benefit than the industry as a whole.” 

However, directors present at the press meet also pointed out that filing the case just a day before KIFF was not a strategic move. They said that no one was boycotting the film festival because it was a celebration of art and meant for everyone to participate.

Actor and director Parambrata Chatterjee said, “I have been part of this festival for 25 years. This festival does not belong to any party or organisation, so we will all participate.”