FWICE Calls On Bollywood To Boycott Turkey Over Support For Pakistan
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a formal appeal urging Indian filmmakers to avoid shooting in Turkey, due to the country’s increasing diplomatic support for Pakistan on issues sensitive to India’s national interest.
In a detailed statement, FWICE emphasized that “Nation Comes First” has always been their core belief.
The federation stated “The statement started off with, “The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), the apex body representing 36 crafts of workers, technicians, and artists in the Indian media and entertainment industry, strongly urges all Indian film producers to reconsider choosing Turkey as a shooting destination in light of its growing support towards Pakistan on matters that deeply concern India’s national interests.”
The statement further highlighted Turkey’s diplomatic stance against India as the primary reason for this call to action “FWICE has always stood firm in its belief that “Nation Comes First.” In view of recent developments and Turkey’s consistent positioning in support of Pakistan, which has raised concerns regarding national integrity and security, we believe it is not in the best interests of the Indian film industry to invest or collaborate in any form that could indirectly support or benefit such a nation.”
Federation of Western India Cinema Employees (FWICE) appeals to Producers to BAN #Turkey as a shooting base!#FWICE pic.twitter.com/EK4dYh6Lcf
— FilmiFever (@FilmiFever) May 14, 2025
The statement further requested all producers, actors, directors, and crew members to stand together and avoid filming in Turkey, “We therefore appeal to all production houses, line producers, actors, directors, and crew members across the Indian film fraternity to stand in solidarity with the nation and boycott Turkey as a location for film shoots until such time that the country revisits its diplomatic stance and aligns with principles of mutual respect and non-interference.
FWICE concluded its statement with a reminder about the importance of unity within the film community “FWICE has always been a pillar of strength for the Indian film industry and its workforce. Our unity during such times is vital to send a strong, collective message: India’s sovereignty and dignity are non-negotiable. We remain hopeful that the Indian film community will respect this appeal in the larger national interest.”
Following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack and ‘Operation Sindoor’, tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified and diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey have escalated recently, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan openly expressing solidarity with Pakistan during India Pakistan conflict.
Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed all OTT platforms and digital streaming services operating in India to halt the distribution of Pakistani content. India first banned Fawad Khan’s upcoming film ‘Abir Gulaal’, then restricted Pakistani YouTube content and television dramas. Film Federations in India openly opposed the release of the film and have also warned the makers of taking action against them.