FWICE Urges Boycott of Turkish Shows on Netflix and Prime Video

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has taken a stand urging streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and JioHotstar to boycott Turkish shows. This call comes in response to Turkey’s support for Pakistan during heightened tensions with India.

In a statement released recently, the FWICE emphasized its support for the nation and the entertainment industry. The organization expressed serious concerns about the continued streaming and promotion of Turkish shows on various Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms in India.

Turkey’s consistent diplomatic and political support for Pakistan on issues concerning India’s sovereignty, such as Kashmir, has led to this call for action. The FWICE, representing workers, technicians, and artists from 36 different crafts in the Indian media and entertainment industry, believes it is not in India’s best interest to have content from a nation that does not support its territorial integrity widely consumed by Indian audiences.

The FWICE has called upon the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to consider boycotting or restricting the streaming of Turkish television shows and films on Indian OTT platforms. They believe that such a measure would not only send a strong global message but also promote Indian content and support the local entertainment industry.

Popular Turkish dramas like “Binbir Gece”, “As the Crow Flies”, “Another Self”, “Yabani”, “Terzi”, “Ethos”, and “Creature” gained popularity in India in the early 2000s but are now facing backlash due to recent events. This move follows Turkiye’s criticism of India’s actions in response to a terror attack, including the use of Turkish drones by Pakistan.

Calls for boycotting Turkish goods and tourism have also emerged in India, with online travel platforms like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo advising against visiting the country. The FWICE’s plea for boycotting Turkish shows on OTT platforms is part of a larger wave of reactions to Turkey’s support for Pakistan in the ongoing tensions in the region.