Trouble mounts for Ere Gowda, festival drops film

Bengaluru:  After an anonymous woman accused Ere Gowda, writer of national award winning Kannada film Thithi and director of Balekempa, of sexual harassment through a Facebook post, explaining the horrific ordeal she experienced at his hands, the trouble has started to mount for him.

Following the allegations, the Dharmashala International Film Festival (DIFF), scheduled between November 1 and 4, cancelled screening of Balekempa at the closing of the festival. It was soon followed by producers of Balekempa issuing a statement that they have decided to withdraw the film from all film festival commitments until further clarity on the matter.

In a statement, the producers, Zoo Entertainment, said that they offered fullest support to the #MeToo’ movement. “We strongly believe in the equality of all people, and wish to express our solidarity with the #MeToo movement towards making our society a safer and better place,” it stated.

Further on withdrawing the movie, it stated, “We note that the concerned person has chosen to remain anonymous. We understand that Ere Gowda is yet to give his statement regarding the allegation. We find the allegation shocking, and are deeply disturbed and saddened. As the producers of Balekempa, directed by Ere Gowda, we feel a need to take decisive action regarding how we wish to take things forward with the film. As of now we are withdrawing the film from all its festival commitments until we have further clarity on the facts.”

Earlier, DIFF on its Twitter handle said, “The film Balekempa directed by Ere Gowda was announced as DIFF's closing night film. Following the allegation of sexual harassment against Ere Gowda, DIFF will not screen Balekempa and Ere Gowda will not be participating in the festival in any way.”