The FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) has released another press release in the wake of Operation Sindoor. They have appealed to the Indian film community to refrain from shooting any films in Turkey in the future after the country showed support for Pakistan as tension between India and its neighbour escalated. Earlier FWICE had also banned Pakistani actors after the Pahalgam attack, stating that anyone found working with them will be penalised.
The title of the press release is “FWICE appeals to producers to boycott Turkey for shooting locations” and lists out the reasons for this decision. It said, “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.”
FWICE press release.
The federation also pointed out that Turkey’s support for Pakistan in this particular issue is not the only reason behind their appeal and stated that the country “has taken positions contrary to India’s sovereign interests” in many cases and in international forums.
FWICE has made their position very clear ever since the Pahalgam attack claimed the lives of 26 individuals on April 22. They have mentioned their stance as “nation first”, and their ban on Pakistani actors was a clear-cut example of their position. Right after the attack, Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s upcoming film Abir Gulaal was shelved. Fawad was all set to make his Bollywood comeback after being banned from working in Indian film after the Uri attack. After shooting to fame through Pakistani shows, Fawad featured in Bollywood films such as Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), Khoobsurat (2014), and Kapoor & Sons (2016).
Several well known Bollywood film have been shot in Turkey such as Race 2 (2013), Game (2011), Guru (2007), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) , Baby (2015) and Ek tha Tiger (2012).