Amid the ongoing tensions between India and the Maldives, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has appealed to all filmmakers/producers not to shoot in the Maldives. It was also recommended to shoot in other similar locations in India instead of Maldives.
FWICE issued a press release on January 10, writing that FWICE had decided to boycott the Maldives to protest against the derogatory statements made by Maldivian leaders towards globally respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
BOYCOTT THE MALDIVES… CHOOSE LOCATIONS IN INDIA: FWICE APPEALS TO MANUFACTURERS… OFFICIAL STATEMENT…#FWICE #India #Maldives pic.twitter.com/OpZmXIq6o2
— taran adarsh ​​​​​​(@taran_adarsh) January 10, 2024
The press release describes the derogatory statement made by three Maldives ministers: ““As tensions rise between India and Maldives over the derogatory statement made by three Maldivian ministers, FWICE, the oldest and largest group of workers, technicians and artists working in the media and entertainment industry in Maldives, condemns the respected Prime Minister Vishwaster. Condemns the ministers’ irresponsible and false comments. In solidarity with the nation and its broader culture, FWICE has decided to boycott the Maldives and its filming locations. Instead, FWICE appeals to its members to shoot at similar locations in India and contribute to the development of tourism in India.
Furthermore, the press release further states that all producers in India and around the world are advised not to plan any filming or production activities in the Maldives. We all support our Prime Minister and the nation.
When Prime Minister Modi promoted tourism in Lakshadweep during his visit, searches for Lakshadweep on Google increased. After this, many social media users started sharing pictures of Lakshadweep and people started talking about if there is anything so beautiful in our own country then what is the need to vacation and go somewhere?
Maldivian ministers then protested. Afterwards, the controversy grew so much that Mariam Shiuna, a minister in Muizzu's government, made offensive remarks, after which she had to delete her tweet due to the criticism. Additionally, two other leaders of Maldives, Malsha Sharif and Mahjoom Majeed, also made objectionable comments on the pictures shared by Prime Minister Modi about Lakshadweep. Senate member Zahir Rameez also made similarly disparaging comments.
However, while the country expressed its stand on behalf of the Muizzu government, it was written on social media that any comments about India were not the stand of the Maldives government. Afterwards, the news also came that the Muizzu government has suspended the three leaders, including Maryam.