Film directors in West Bengal criticize the dominance of technicians in the state’s film industry

Film directors have expressed concern over alleged hand-wringing by film technicians in the Bengali film industry. , Photo Courtesy: Debashish Bhaduri

A day before the inauguration of the 30th, film directors in West Bengal have spoken out against the dominance of film technicians in the Bengali film industry.^th Debate erupted from Kolkata International Film Festival.

The Directors’ Association has filed a case against the Technicians’ Federation to express its concern over the hand-twisting culture promoted by the federation.

Kaushik Ganguly, one of the veteran directors of the Bengali film industry, has expressed concern over the strict rules of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI). He said there are no such rules in any film or television industry in the country where directors are forced to employ a specific number of technicians even when not required.

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

“We are demanding a film and television policy from our government. Director Subrata Sen said, we had 34 films in 2024… If the federation continues its politics and arbitrariness, we will have zero films by 2026.

Mr Sen also said the ongoing power struggle, which first came to light on July 30, would never end if directors merely protested and did not take action. This was the reason why he and other directors of Bengal had decided to take legal action against the technicians union. He also said that he has collected supporting documents and sent them to the Competition Commission of India in Delhi for further action.

Commenting on this matter, Mr. Sen said The Hindu“We have not been able to get out of this impasse for some time, so this is the final step. No one is concerned about the bigger picture that we all need to work together to help revive the declining Bengali film industry. Everyone is concerned about their personal and immediate gains compared to the overall industry.”

However, the directors present at the press meet also pointed out that filing the case just a day before KIFF was not a strategic move. He said that no one is boycotting the film festival as it is a festival of art and everyone has to participate in it.

Actor and director Parambrata Chatterjee said, “I have been a part of this festival for 25 years. This festival is not of any party or organization, so we all will participate in it.”