Guinea-Bissau is bounded by Senegal to the north, Guinea to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It includes the Bijagós (Bissagos) archipelago and other islands that lie off the coast.
The climate is tropical which means it is generally hot and humid. It has a monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with south-westerly winds and a dry season (December to May) with north-easterly harmattan winds.
The official language of Guinea-Bissau is Portuguese, which is spoken by 11% of the population. The local dialect is called Crioulo or Kiriol. French is also learned in schools, as Guinea-Bissau is surrounded by French-speaking countries and is a full member of the Francophonie as well as the Lusophone CPLP.
The currency in Guinea–Bissau is the West African Financial Community franc (XOF). Guinea–Bissau is very much a cash economy. Credit cards are rarely used
Generally, even though it’s had a reputation of one of Africa’s unstable countries, the safety in Guinea is of the same level as it is in other countries of West Africa. Both petty and violent crime exists here.
Guinea-Bissau has been plagued by political instability since it became independent in 1974, resulting in a lack of development and high levels of poverty. This country has a largely traditional economic system in which most of the economy relies on fishing and farming, and government regulation is widely constrained.
Guinea-Bissau Taxis and Car Rental. Taxis are available within the cities of Guinea-Bissau, but the toca-toca or minibus is the most popular choice for intra-city travel. Water taxis make the surrounding islands accessible. There is also trains and busses.
There is currently no film rebates for filming in Guinea Bissau
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN GUINEA BISSAU
Film locations of note are the inland forest savanna, and the coastline is swampy plain. The country is best known for its Portuguese colonial architecture, and coastal national parks. Agricultural film locations include plantations of cashews, rice, cassava, peanuts, coconuts, and cotton. Traditional fishing boats are available for filming. Guinea-Bissau is also known for its bauxite mines. Bissau is the capital and largest city and known for its Portuguese colonial architecture and the port of Bissua.
Hippos, chimpanzees, waterbucks, buffalos, hyenas, leopards. crocodiles, monkeys, turtles, dolphins, and a diversity of birdlife is found in abundances in various parts of the country.
The northwest of the country has mangrove forests, coastal savannas, and beautiful beaches where turtles come to hatch their eggs.
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS IN GUINEA BISSAU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM & IMPORT PERMITS AND VISA APPLCATIONS
All western visitors to the region require an entry visa as well as a yellow fever card. When applying to the consular you might be required to submit a synopsis of the programme you wish to film on location in the region. Most travellers apply for Bissau-Guinean visas en route in Dakar, Senegal, or Lisbon, Portugal.
Local film fixers will arrange film permit, international crew accreditation and temporary import permits for the film equipment brought in.
MORE FROM LOCAL FILM FIXERS ABOUT FILM PRODUCTION IN GUINEA BISSAU
Film equipment
All equipment must be brought in from abroad or neighbouring countries
Film crew
A very small pool of local film crew is available but most crew for bigger productions have to be brought in from abroad or neighbouring African countries
The local film fixers will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of film production support to match every budget.
Talent Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable and made up of primarily West Africans. All other talent to be brought in from abroad
