By AgenciesCondemning the attacks on Indians in Australia, a top body of film producers has warned that such incidents may affect shootings of films Down Under.
The Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) has written a letter to the Australian High Commission voicing concern over the spate of racial attacks on Indian students in that country.
The assaults are "alarming" and have "shocked not only Indians but also people in other parts of the world", IMPPA Vice-President Sushma Shiromanee said here.
She warned that such attacks may hinder shootings of films in Australia. As a 72-year-old body of film producers, "we have to safeguard the interest of our producer-members", she said.
Australia is known for its scenic beauty and its exclusive locales are explored by the Indian film industry for shootings, Shiromanee noted.
"Shooting of films not only boosts revenue for your Government but also indirectly boosts the tourism industry, thus generating employment. The ill-treatment meted out to the Indians is a disappointment for tourism and film industries. Film industry is always inter-related with tourism," she said.
The recent happenings in Australia are a setback to the tourism and film industry, Shiromanee said.
"We request you to adopt necessary steps to avoid such incidents and remove the hindrance on entry of tourists and film personalities in Australia," the IMPPA letter said.
"Persons from the Asian community visiting Australia should be given enough protection and film personalities in particular should be safeguarded," Shiromanee added.
IMPPA, set up in 1937, is the oldest association of film producers in the country and has over 10,000 members.
Source: ScreenIndia.
