WHAT HOODLUM FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING IN KINSHASA, DR CONGO, CENTRAL AFRICA
Kinshasa, formerly Léopoldville is the largest city and capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It lies about 320 miles (515 km) from the Atlantic Ocean on the south bank of the Congo River. It is also the largest city in the whole of Africa. Once a site of fishing and trading villages, Kinshasa is now one of the world’s fastest growing megacities.
Outside of Kinshasa, the landscape is mostly tropical forests and grazing lands. Western DRC is home to famous waterfalls including the Inkisi Falls, Livingstone Falls, and Zongo Falls. Lola Ya Bonobo is a sanctuary for orphaned bonobos. Matadi is the country’s chief seaport.
Film permits
Film permits cost $500 per project and takes 1-2 weeks to process.
Import permits for film equipment
No fee is payable if your equipment is able to into your hand luggage or check-in luggage, then you just need to produce proof of ownership hold the receipts and get to pay nothing to customs but if the equipment is bulky and carried in several equipment boxes, then you will need to clear with customs and provide documentation on the reasons for carrying such equipment. You will get to pay a minimal amount (At the discretion of the customs officer) to get a document that clears your equipment.
Visas
Visa are required. The application must take place in the country of origin and for this you require a letter of invitation from a local production company. The issuing of visa takes 2 weeks
