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Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
AICWA, FWICE urge film industry to boycott Turkey, Azerbaijan over its pro-Pakistan stance; filmmakers weigh in
Indian film bodies have urged the industry to stop shoots in Turkey and Azerbaijan after both countries expressed solidarity with Pakistan during the recent Indo-Pak tensions. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) have also issued press releases asking to boycott shooting in Turkey and also its artistes from working in India. The FWICE has further gone ahead and sent letters to the I&B Ministry and OTT giants in India, demanding the removal of Turkish shows. Several Indian films like Guru (2007), Race 2 (2013), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) were shot in Turkey, giving the country a boost in economy and tourism. A source reveals, 'When an Indian film is shot in Turkey, even a schedule of 2-4 days costs somewhere around ₹5 crore to ₹6 crore. With big stars and huge production houses, the cost can go up to ₹30 crore to ₹40 crore. The cost largely depends on the location they choose but this is a blanket amount.' Speaking about the call for a boycott, Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, President , AICWA tells us, "AICWA has only one demand that Indian films should not be shot in Turkey or Azerbaijaan. Secondly, anyone from Turkey or Azerbaijaan who is working in India, we should ban them and their visas should be cancelled. We will also write to India's Foreign Ministry regarding this matter.' BN Tiwari, President, FWICE, says, 'Our first principle is nation first. You are giving weapons which are harming people who are innocent. We cannot tolerate all this. Humne jo letter likha hai wo puri film industry ko bheja hai and our plan is to write a letter to the government too that Turkish artistes jo yaha kaam karte hai unko turant bhagaya jaaye yaha se. If someone (from within the industry) supports them, we will boycott them and issue a non cooperation notice.' Meanwhile, filmmakers too weighed in on the call for a ban. Director Anil Sharma, known for his blockbuster film Gadar, says that no amount of creative satisfaction is bigger than love for the country. "Yeh appeal nahi bhi ho toh bhi filmmakers ki responsibility hai to stand for India. Jo bharat ke saath hai, hum uske saath hai. Main ek script likh raha tha (son) Utkarsh ke saath and usme Turkey was a location but after this incident we decided we won't go. It is a very beautiful country and as a filmmaker it is worth shooting there but no creative satisfaction is bigger than India's interest and the love for our country.' Producer Tanuj Garg adds, 'As Indian filmmakers, we are mindful not just of the creative and logistical aspects of shooting abroad, but also the larger sentiment at home. While countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan have much to offer, we believe that it's important to align our choices with the mood and sensitivities of our audience and nation. Until there's a more positive shift in sentiment and bilateral warmth, we will be cautious about pursuing shoots in these regions.' The Kashmir Files director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri too agrees with this decision as he says, 'I think it is a just decision and this is how everybody should behave in war. In modern times, war is not when the armies are marching inside each other's borders. War is also at various levels like info war, cyber war, narrative war. So, in that case obviously if we are calling Pakistan an enemy country, so anybody who is supporting them in traditional terms of combat, they are termed as enemy countries.' Vivek adds, 'I don't see why we should shoot in countries which are not even relevant. We are not going to lose anything. I think its the right decision. This (boycott) should be done by lots of voluntary organisations, travel agencies, and the people of India. Stand up for India, stand united. Wars are not won at only borders today, wars are won at the narrative playing field." Filmmaker Onir says he has a 'mixed point of view' and wonders why is there's a call for boycotting just Turkey and Azerbaijaan and not China? 'I have mixed response because in any conflict there will be different sides. China has also been supplying arms. How come we are not banning everything with China? If you see Pakistani weaponry, doesn't the ban have to be uniform because it's from China and the US.' He adds, 'At the same time I was extremely hurt as an Indian citizen that at the time of the war, Turkey was supplying arms to Pakistan. In this war, without any camouflage, China has been supporting Pakistan. So why only Turkey and Azerbaijaan are being banned? As a filmmaker or tourist I would not be comfortable going to a country that supports Pakistan directly during the time of conflict.'
News18
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Film Body AICWA Calls For 'Complete Ban On Shoot In Turkey' Over India-Pakistan Strain
Last Updated: Film bodies AICWA and FWICE have announced a complete boycott of Turkey for film shoots and cultural collaborations due to Turkey's support for Pakistan. Notable film body, All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing Indian film industry's workers, technicians, artists, and professionals, has officially announced a complete boycott of Turkey for all film shoots and cultural collaborations. The decision was made following Turkey's continued support for Pakistan during tensions with India. AICWA has now decided on a 'complete ban on shooting in Turkey". No Bollywood or Indian films will be shot in Turkey, effective immediately. Alongside, no Indian producers, production houses, directors, or financiers will be allowed to take any film, television, or digital content projects to the Middle Eastern country. On May 14, another film body, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), issued a statement annoucing boycott of Turkey amid the ongoing tensions. 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." It went on to add, '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." They have requested all producers, actors, directors, and crew members to stand together and avoid filming in Turkey until the country changes its diplomatic approach and shows respect for India. '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," the statement further read. Turkey's support for Pakistan during recent the India-Pakistan tensions has strained its diplomatic ties with India. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's expression of solidarity with Pakistan drew strong reactions from Indians, calling for boycott calls. First Published: May 15, 2025, 16:43 IST
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
AICWA announces complete boycott of Turkey for film shoots, cultural collaborations
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 14 (ANI): The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing the Indian film industry's workers, technicians, artists, and professionals, has officially announced a complete boycott of Turkey for all film shoots and cultural collaborations. This decision comes in response to Turkey's continued support for Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflict, which has led to serious concerns about national security and the safety of Indian citizens. In a recent tragic incident in Pahalgam, Pakistani terrorists attacked innocent Indian citizens, causing significant loss of life and suffering. During the India-Pakistan conflict, Turkey openly supported Pakistan, providing military and diplomatic support against India's interests. Such actions have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Indian film industry and the general public, as per the press release shred on official X handle of AICWA. Now, AICWA has decided a 'Complete Ban on Shooting in Turkey' 'No Bollywood or Indian film projects will be shot in Turkey, effective immediately and no Indian producers, production houses, directors, or financiers will be allowed to take any film, television, or digital content projects to Turkey,' as per the press release. Apart from it, there is also prohibition on 'collaborations with Turkish Artists and Producers, Turkish actors, filmmakers, production houses, and other creative professionals will no longer be permitted to work in the Indian entertainment industry' Moreover, as per the press release, 'Any existing contracts or agreements with Turkish entities must be reviewed and, where possible, terminated.' AICWA will 'closely monitor the activities of Indian film professionals and organizations to ensure compliance with this directive and strict action will be taken against 'any individual or entity found violating this decision,' according to the press release. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has appealed to Indian film producers to reconsider choosing Turkey as a shooting destination, citing Turkey's growing support for Pakistan on matters affecting India's national interests. 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, as per the press release shared by FWICE. On April 22, terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while leaving several others injured in one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed. (ANI)
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Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
FWICE, AICWA ask film producers to boycott Turkiye for movie shooting
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) on Wednesday appealed to Indian artistes and producers to boycott Turkiye as a shooting destination in the wake of its pro-Pakistan stance. Later in the day, All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also announced a complete boycott of Turkiye for film shoots and other cultural collaborations. The development comes after Turkiye criticised India's strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in retaliation of the Pahalgam terror attack. Islamabad had also used Turkish drones in the conflict. Following its support to Pakistan, calls for boycotting Turkish goods and tourism have surfaced across India, with online travel platforms like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo issuing advisories against visiting the country. "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 FWICE said in statement. "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," the federation further said. The FWICE said it hopes the Indian film community will "respect this appeal in the larger national interest". In a statement shared on X, the AICWA said no Bollywood or Indian film project will be shot in Turkiye, effective immediately. No Indian producers, production houses, directors, or financiers will be allowed to take any film, television, or digital content projects to the country, it added. "Turkish actors, filmmakers, production houses, and other creative professionals will no longer be permitted to work in the Indian entertainment industry. Any existing contracts or agreements with Turkish entities must be reviewed and, where possible, terminated. "AICWA will closely monitor the activities of Indian film professionals and organisations to ensure compliance with this directive," the statement read. Strict action will be taken against any individual or entity found violating the decision of the AICWA, it added. Not only Turkiye, India's trade relations with Azerbaijan is also expected to come under strain due to Baku backing Islamabad and condemning India's recent strikes on terror camps in Pakistan.
India.com
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
AICWA Announces Total Ban On Turkey For Film Shoots Over Pro-Pakistan Stance And Security Concerns
Mumbai: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing the Indian film industry's workers, technicians, artists, and professionals, has officially announced a complete boycott of Turkey for all film shoots and cultural collaborations. This decision comes in response to Turkey's continued support for Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflict, which has led to serious concerns about national security and the safety of Indian citizens. In a recent tragic incident in Pahalgam, Pakistani terrorists attacked innocent Indian citizens, causing significant loss of life and suffering. During the India-Pakistan conflict, Turkey openly supported Pakistan, providing military and diplomatic support against India's interests. Such actions have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Indian film industry and the general public, as per the press release shred on official X handle of AICWA. Now, AICWA has decided a "Complete Ban on Shooting in Turkey" "No Bollywood or Indian film projects will be shot in Turkey, effective immediately and no Indian producers, production houses, directors, or financiers will be allowed to take any film, television, or digital content projects to Turkey," as per the press release. PRESS RELEASE All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) Announces Complete Boycott of Turkey for Film Shoots and Cultural Collaborations Mumbai, India – May 14, 2025: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing the Indian film industry's workers,… — All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) May 14, 2025 Apart from it, there is also prohibition on "collaborations with Turkish Artists and Producers, Turkish actors, filmmakers, production houses, and other creative professionals will no longer be permitted to work in the Indian entertainment industry" Moreover, as per the press release, "Any existing contracts or agreements with Turkish entities must be reviewed and, where possible, terminated." AICWA will "closely monitor the activities of Indian film professionals and organizations to ensure compliance with this directive and strict action will be taken against "any individual or entity found violating this decision," according to the press release. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has appealed to Indian film producers to reconsider choosing Turkey as a shooting destination, citing Turkey's growing support for Pakistan on matters affecting India's national interests. 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, as per the press release shared by FWICE. On April 22, terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while leaving several others injured in one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed.
