WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING IN SOMALIA, EAST AFRICA
Somalia is easternmost country of Africa, on the Horn of Africa. It extends from just south of the Equator northward to the Gulf of Aden and occupies an important geopolitical position between sub-Saharan Africa and the countries of Arabia and southwestern Asia.
Somalia’s current climate is hot and dry, with uneven rainfall and regular droughts . It experiences a northeast monsoon from December to February, at which time temperatures in the north become moderate while the south is hot; a southwest monsoon from May to October occurs when the north is extremely hot. Winter is the best time to film in Somalia, so from November to March you will experience the best weather.
Somali and Arabic are the official languages. English is the most popular foreign language in Somalia. It is taught in many schools across the country. Although Italian was the official language spoken in Italian Somaliland, after the independence of Somalia, the use of the Italian language in the country has greatly decreased.
The Somali shilling is the official currency of Somalia. You should take hard currency, normally US dollars. In Hargeisa however, it is now possible to withdraw US dollars from ATMs using international credit and debit cards.
Somalia is not a safe country to film in at the moment.
Roads are in a poor condition. Avoid road travel by night. A handful of airlines service flights to Somalia. It is best to have local film fixer arrange transport.
The Peace Hotel or Jazeera Palace Hotel are recommended
There is currently no tax incentives and rebates available to film in Somalia.
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN SOMALIA, EAST AFRICA
Somalia is known for its wild rugged coastline, undiscovered beaches, coral reefs, high plateaus, and savanna. Farming is done with sheep, goats ,camels and cattle. Local fisherman offer up the boats for filming.
Mogadishu is capital and largest city. Merca is ancient port city located in the south of the country. Bosaso is a port city located in Puntland. There are also a number of national parks home to lions, zebras, monkeys and wild boar
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM PERMIT, VISAS AND WORK PERMITS WHEN FILMING IN SOMALIA, EAST AFRICA
Visas & Work Permits for filming in Somalia
International film crew require a Press Visa to film in Somalia. Local fixers will assist with this process.
Film & Location Permits for filming in Somalia
Privately owned film location fees are negotiated by local film fixers and application for film permit to film in public spaces arranged on local level, often on the same day.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM CREWS,EQUIPMENT AND TALENT IN THE SOMALIA, EAST AFRICA
Somalia has a very small pool of local crew, all HOD’s should be brought in from neighbouring Africa countries or abroad
Its best to bring in all film equipment from abroad
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
