Maharashtra cine-employees’ body appeals for boycott of Turkey for film shoots

FWICE urges Indian filmmakers to boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan due to diplomatic concerns, supported by major industry bodies.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing over 3.5 lakh members from 36 cinematic fields, on Wednesday (May 14, 2025) called upon Indian filmmakers to refrain from choosing Turkey and Azerbaijan as shooting destinations. The appeal, the organisation stated, was made in light of Turkey’s diplomatic position, which it alleged runs counter to India’s national interest.

“We, FWICE, are the mother body of 36 associations representing various crafts of the Indian film industry, including cinematography, art direction, costume design, and music. In view of recent international developments, we have called for a boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan. These nations have shown open support for Pakistan, a country that continues to sponsor terrorism and bloodshed,” Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor to FWICE, told The Hindu.

Mr. Pandit added that the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association and the Western India Film Producers’ Association, two prominent producers’ bodies, have extended their support to the call for boycott. “They have assured us that they stand by FWICE and will support our decision,” he said.

In a press release issued by the federation, FWICE reiterated its long-standing principle that “Nation Comes First”. The statement criticised Turkey’s “consistent positioning in support of Pakistan,” citing it as a matter of grave concern for India’s national integrity and security.

“In light of this, we believe it is not in the best interests of the Indian film industry to invest in or collaborate with countries that adopt such stances,” the statement said. The appeal extends to all stakeholders in the film industry, including production houses, directors, actors, and technical crew, urging them to “align with national interests and avoid filming in Turkey until the country re-evaluates its diplomatic posture”.

The statement bore the signatures of FWICE president B.N. Tiwari, hon. general secretary Ashok Dubey, treasurer Gangeshwarlal Shrivastav, and chief advisor Ashoke Pandit.