WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE FILM INDUSTRY: SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES AND PATHWAYS TO REFORM

AUTHOR– DEEPIKA SINGH, LLM SCHOLAR AT AMITY UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – DEEPIKA SINGH, WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE FILM INDUSTRY: SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES AND PATHWAYS TO REFORM, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 01-07, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

This study presents a unique analysis of sexual harassment trends in the global film production industry. Through examination of industry structures, control asymmetries, and later responsibility advancements, the consider recognizes three key components enabling decided bullying: unstable work models, institutionalized control cumbersome nature, and missing specifying components. The ask approximately synthesizes data from afterward industry outlines, genuine cases, and organizational changes to propose noteworthy courses of action for making more secure creative working situations. 

The research further investigates the historical and cultural factors that perpetuate harassment, highlighting how hierarchical power dynamics and the freelance-dominated nature of film production exacerbate vulnerabilities. By analysing the data, study reveals recurring patterns of exploitation, mainly affecting women, marginalized genders, and new workers. The findings suggest that while high-profile scandals have spurred temporary reforms, systemic change remains hindered by entrenched industry norms and economic precarity.

In addition, the study also finds the recent policies, such as mandatory harassment training, anonymous reporting systems, and inclusion riders, assessing their effectiveness in different regional contexts. Comparative data indicates that while some measures have reduced overt misconduct, many fail to address underlying power imbalances. The paper argues for a holistic approach, combining legal, organizational, and cultural strategies including union strengthening, transparent hiring practices, and bystander intervention programs to foster lasting accountability.

By integrating perspectives from filmmakers, activists, and labour scholars, the research proposes a forward-looking framework for industry-wide transformation. The conclusions emphasize that sustainable change requires reactive measures and proactive restructuring of workplace ecosystems to ensure equity and safety for all creative professionals.

KEY WORDS: Sexual Harassment, Film Industry, Workplace Harassment, Systematic Challenges, Power Dynamics, Workplace Safety, etc