Maharashtra film employee’s body calls for boycott of Turkish film shooting

Ashoke Pandit, chief consultant at the Indian Western Film Employees Federation, said: “In view of recent international developments, we call for boycotts against Turkey and Azerbaijan. These countries’ public support for Pakistan, the country continues to sponsor terrorism and bloodshed.” File | Image source: Vijay Bate

Indian Western Film Employees (FWICE) on Wednesday (May 14, 2025) called on Indian film producers not to choose Turkey and Azerbaijan as shooting destinations to avoid choosing Indian film producers. The group said the appeal was based on Turkey’s diplomatic stance, which it allegedly runs contrary to India’s national interests.

“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 Hindu.

Mr Pandit added that the Indian Film Producers Association and the West Indian Film Producers Association are the bodies of two prominent producers, have expanded support for the boycott appeal. “They assured us that they insist on FWICE and will support our decision,” he said.

In a federal press release, FWICE reiterated its long-term principle of “national first.” The statement criticized Türkiye for “supporting a consistent position in Pakistan” on the grounds of serious concerns about India’s national integrity and security.

“In view of this, we do not believe that investing or cooperating with countries that adopt this position is in the best interest of the Indian film industry,” the statement said. The call for expansion to all stakeholders in the film industry, including production companies, directors, actors and technicians, urging them to “align with the national interests and avoid filming in Turkey until the country reassesses its diplomatic posture”.

The statement is signed by FWICE President BN Tiwari, honors. Secretary-General Ashok Dubey, Treasurer Gangeshwarlal Shrivastav and Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit.