The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing over 3.5 lakh members from 36 cinematic fields, on Wednesday (May 14, 2025) referred to as upon Indian filmmakers to chorus from selecting Turkey and Azerbaijan as taking pictures locations. The attraction, the organisation said, was made in mild of Turkey’s diplomatic place, which it alleged runs counter to India’s nationwide curiosity.
“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, instructed The Hindu.
Mr. Pandit added that the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association and the Western India Film Producers’ Association, two distinguished producers’ our bodies, have prolonged their assist to the decision for boycott. “They have assured us that they stand by FWICE and will support our decision,” he mentioned.
In a press launch issued by the federation, FWICE reiterated its long-standing precept that “Nation Comes First”. The assertion criticised Turkey’s “consistent positioning in support of Pakistan,” citing it as a matter of grave concern for India’s nationwide integrity and safety.
“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 assertion mentioned. The attraction extends to all stakeholders within the film business, together with manufacturing homes, administrators, 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 assertion bore the signatures of FWICE president B.N. Tiwari, hon. basic secretary Ashok Dubey, treasurer Gangeshwarlal Shrivastav, and chief advisor Ashoke Pandit.
Published – May 14, 2025 09:24 pm IST
