“Nation Comes First,” says Cine Workers’ Body, Citing Turkey’s Support to Pakistan
In a significant move blending cinema and geopolitics, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has appealed to Indian filmmakers to avoid shooting in Turkey, citing national interest concerns and Turkey’s growing diplomatic alignment with Pakistan.
A Call for Responsible Filmmaking
FWICE, which represents 36 crafts across India’s media and entertainment industry, issued a press release urging production houses, actors, technicians, and crew to boycott Turkey as a film shooting destination. The organization highlighted Turkey’s repeated support for Pakistan in international forums, especially on issues related to India’s sovereignty.
“FWICE 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 statement read.
“Nation Comes First”
Reaffirming its stance on patriotic responsibility, FWICE emphasized that professional choices should not override national loyalty. The statement added:
“FWICE has always believed that Nation Comes First. Collaborating with a country that questions India’s sovereignty or sides with forces that do, is not in the interest of our film industry or our national pride.”
The federation also warned that continuing creative partnerships with Turkey could be seen as implicit endorsement of a nation whose diplomatic posture contradicts India’s core interests.
Appeal to the Film Fraternity
FWICE extended its appeal beyond producers, urging the entire Indian film fraternity—directors, actors, line producers and technicians—to avoid engaging with Turkey until it revises its diplomatic stance and aligns with mutual respect and non-interference.
“We cannot remain indifferent to international stances that undermine our nation’s dignity or security,” the statement noted.
❌ Ban on Pakistani Artists Also Demanded
In a related development, FWICE General Secretary Ashoke Dubey reiterated the federation’s demand for a complete ban on Pakistani artists working in India, especially in light of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed multiple civilian lives.
“At a time when national sentiments are wounded, we must act with unity and purpose. No space for cultural collaborations when blood has been spilled,” Dubey said.
This call for a boycott isn’t just about location shoots—it reflects the growing intersection of diplomacy and entertainment in India. As the film industry becomes increasingly global, questions around national loyalty, soft power, and ethical collaboration are coming into sharper focus.
