The body of Maharashtra cine-employees appealed for boycott of Türkiye for the film shoot

The Chief Advisor, Employees of the Federation of Western India Cine, Ashok Pandit said, “In view of recent international developments, we have called for boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan. These nations have shown open support for Pakistan, which is a country that sponsors terrorism and bloodshed.” File | Photo Credit: Vijay Bet

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), on Wednesday (May 14, 2025), represented more than 3.5 lakh members from 36 cinematic areas and called Indian filmmakers to avoid choosing Turkish and Azerbaijan as shooting sites. The organization said that the appeal was created in the light of the diplomatic status of Türkiye, which allegedly runs a counter for the national interest of India.

“We are the maternal bodies of 36 associations representing various crafts of Indian film industry including FWICE, Cinematography, Art Direction, Dress Design and Music. In view of recent international developments, we have called for boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijan. Hindu,

Mr. Pandit said that the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association and the Western India Film Producers Association, the bodies of two major manufacturers have increased their support for boycott. “They have assured us that they are standing by FWICE and supporting our decision,” he said.

In a press release issued by the Federation, FWICE reiterated its long standing theory that “the nation comes first”. The statement criticized Türkiye’s “continuous situation in support of Pakistan”, describing it as a matter of serious concern for India’s national integrity and security.

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

This statement stars FWICE president BN Tiwari, Hon. General Secretary Ashok Dubey, Treasurer Gangeswarlal Srivastava, and Chief Advisor Ashok Pandit.