Kerala Film Producers' Association Election: Sandra Thomas Challenges Current Leadership

Malayalam film producer Sandra Thomas has filed her nomination for president of the Kerala Film Producers' Association, contesting against the current leadership. Thomas had previously written a letter criticizing the association's handling of the Hema Committee report on women's issues in the film industry and had been expelled from the association in November 2024. A court stayed the expulsion in December 2024.

Malayalam film producer Sandra Thomas has filed her nomination for the post of president of the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA), marking a significant move in her ongoing dispute with the current leadership. The nomination comes amidst her protracted rift with the association, which has seen her expelled and subsequently reinstated by the court.

Thomas, who has previously been critical of the association's handling of the Hema Committee report on women's issues in the film industry, is contesting the presidency as part of a panel that includes women and producers seeking positive change. Her nomination was submitted at the KFPA office in Kochi on Saturday, July 26, 2025, with her wearing a purdah as a symbolic protest against the current leadership [1].

The association has been dominated by men for decades, and Thomas' nomination is part of a broader effort to bring about gender equality and transparency in the industry. She has alleged that senior officials used derogatory language during a meeting on film distribution and has filed a police case in connection with this [2].

Thomas' expulsion from the association in November 2024 on charges of breaching disciplinary norms was stayed by the Ernakulam Sub Court in December 2024 [3]. This has allowed her to contest the elections, which are scheduled for August 14, one day before the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) elections.

The upcoming elections are expected to be closely watched, with Thomas' nomination adding a layer of intrigue to the political dynamics within the Malayalam film industry. Her nomination and the broader issues she has raised are likely to spark conversations about gender, power, and transparency in the industry.

References:
[1] https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2025/07/26/sandra-thomas-film-producers-election-purdah-protest.html
[2] https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/after-expulsion-and-legal-row-sandra-thomas-makes-burqa-clad-return-to-film-chamber-to-file-nomination-kihk39kk
[3] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/sandra-thomas-ups-the-ante-by-filing-nomination-for-president-of-kerala-film-producers-association/article69857821.ece