WHAT HOODLUM FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING IN PORTO NOVO, BENIN, WEST AFRICA
Porto–Novo is the capital of Benin and lies on the Gulf of Guinea in western Africa. This city is located on a coastal lagoon in the extreme south-east.
The climate is hot and humid and has two rainy and two dry seasons. The principal rainy season is from April to late July, with a shorter less intense rainy period from late September to November.
Porto Novo is known for its colonial buildings like the Brazilian-style Great Mosque, formerly a church. The Ethnographic Museum displays ceremonial masks, musical instruments and costumes. The Musée da Silva recounts Benin’s history and celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture. Just east, the Honmé Museum was King Toffa’s 19th-century royal palace. Porto Novo produces palm oil, cotton and kapok. Petroleum was discovered off the coast of the city in 1968 and has become an important export since the 1990s.
Local costs such as talent, supporting crew and locations are inexpensive. All key film crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. The West African CFA franc (XOF) is the official currency. At present there are no tax incentives for foreign commercials or films shooting in Benin.
