FWICE Urges Indian Film Industry to Boycott Turkey Over Diplomatic Tensions

May 14, 2025: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a strong appeal to Indian film producers, urging them to boycott Turkey as a shooting destination due to the country’s growing diplomatic support for Pakistan, particularly on issues that impact India’s national interests.

In a press release, FWICE — the apex body representing 36 crafts of workers, technicians, and artists in India’s media and entertainment industry — emphasized its longstanding belief that “Nation Comes First.” The organization cited Turkey’s recent international stances, which have increasingly aligned with Pakistan and, in some cases, opposed India’s sovereignty and security concerns.

“In view of recent developments and Turkey’s consistent support of Pakistan, we believe it is not in the best interests of the Indian film industry to invest or collaborate in any form that could indirectly benefit such a nation,” the statement read.

FWICE further noted that Turkey’s diplomatic posture has been evident not just bilaterally but also in various international forums, where it has taken positions contradicting India’s interests. The federation stressed that the Indian film industry, being deeply rooted in national values and culture, must not remain indifferent to such developments.

The organization has called upon all production houses, actors, directors, line producers, and crew members to stand in solidarity with India by avoiding film shoots in Turkey until the country revises its diplomatic stance and aligns with principles of mutual respect and non-interference.

In a parallel development, FWICE General Secretary Ashoke Dubey has also called for a complete ban on Pakistani artists working in India, following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which has further escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

The appeal serves as a reminder of the growing intertwining of geopolitics and the entertainment industry, where the choice of filming locations and collaborations is increasingly seen through the lens of national interest.