AICWA, FWICE boycott Turkey over anti-India stance amid conflict with Pakistan after Pahalgam terror attack : Bollywood News
The Indian film industry, a world power known for its dynamic and picturesque shooting places, has taken a firm position against Turkey as a shooting destination. The Federation of Employees of Western India in India (FWICE) and the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have jointly convened a boycott, citing the growing diplomatic support from Turkey to Pakistan in the midst of increasing tensions with India. This decision reflects the hierarchy by the industry of the national interest in relation to commercial links, as does the principal principle of FWICE, “Nation comes first”.
AICWA, FWICE BOYCOTT The turkey on the anti-indictment position in the middle of a conflict with Pakistan after the terrorist attack of Pahalgam
The Boycott call intervenes in the wake of the increased tensions of India-Pakistan after the Indian operation Sindoor, a military operation launched on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and cashmere occupied by Pakistan. The operation was a response to a fatal terrorist attack in the Pahalgam of Jammu-et-Cachemire on April 22, 2025, which cost life and rekindled cross-border hostilities. Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s public approval from Islamabad management and his alleged supply of drones used in aerial space violations, have sparked strong criticism in India.
FWICE, representing more than 3.5 lakh of professionals in 36 trades in the media and entertainment sector in India, published a press release urging filmmakers to reconsider Turkey as a place of filming. “The coherent positioning of Turkey supported by Pakistan raises concerns concerning national integrity and security,” the statement said. “We believe that it is not in the best interests of the Indian film industry to invest or collaborate in any form that could indirectly benefit such a nation.” The appeal extends to production houses, administrators, actors and crew members, urging them to unite with the national interests of India.
FWICE calls producers to boycott Turkey for a shooting location#Fwice#NationFirst
Fetic@emphasize pic.twitter.com/tvg7rfigx7
– Federation of Employees of India in Western India (@Fwicemum) May 14, 2025
The filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, FWice chief advisor and president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association, underlined the nationalist ethics of industry. “Each filmmaker in our country is nationalist. There can be differences in opinion, but as regards the nation, no one compromises,” Pandit told The Hindu. He underlined the past support of India to Turkey during crises, such as the provision of drugs and vaccines during the Pandemic of Covid-19, which makes Turkey alignment with “surprising and unhappy” Pakistan. Pandit also noted that the Indian Motion Picture Producers ‘Association and the West India Film Producers’ Association promised their support for the boycott.
The boycott extends beyond cinema. AICWA imposed a ban on Turkish actors, filmmakers and production houses working in India, with a directive to review and terminate existing contracts with Turkish entities. “Strict measures will be taken against any person or entity found violating this decision,” said Aicwa, stressing his commitment to enforce the boycott.
PRESS RELEASE
All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announces Turkey’s full boycott for film filming and cultural collaborations
Mumbai, India – May 14, 2025: All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing workers in the Indian film industry,… pic.twitter.com/GHL345RD2X
– All Indian Cine Workers Association (@Aicwaofficial) May 14, 2025
Turkey has long been a promoted filming location for Bollywood, with its breathtaking landscapes and its historic sites presented in successful films like Dil dhadakne do, bajrangi bhaijaan, And Race 2. The presence of the Indian film industry has considerably stimulated Turkish tourism, with many Indian travelers visiting places popularized by these films. However, the boycott is expected to bring tourism and Turkey’s commercial ties to India, which are already under pressure. Indian travel platforms such as Enemytrip, Ixigo and Cox & Kings have suspended reservations in Türkiye, while traders started to boycott Turkish apples and marble. The confederation of all the merchants of India (Cait) called for a broader economic boycott.
Read also: Government of India prohibits dramas, songs and Pakistani films on OTT platforms
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