WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
The Central African Republic is a landlocked country located in the centre of Africa. It is roughly the size of France and is bordered by Chad to the north, Sudan and South Sudan to the north and east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa) and the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) to the south, and Cameroon to the west. The capital, Bangui, is situated on the southern boundary, formed by the Ubangi River, a tributary of the Congo River. The CAR is a verdant green place filled with bounties of tropical vegetation, it is also a country with significant mineral resources, most of which lie untapped.
The area that now constitutes the CAR has been inhabited for at least ten thousand years. The Aka peoples, known as Pygmies (a term which can be seen as derogatory and offensive) are thought to be among the first inhabitants of this region.
The country lies largely in the savanna zone of Africa, the northern part is treeless, whereas the southern portion of the country contains dense tropical rainforests, particularly along the Ubangi and Sangha rivers. Many species of antelope, as well as baboons, buffalo, and elephants, are found in the savannas; there are also forest elephants. In the rainforests an even greater diversity of wildlife exists, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates, leopards, and the endangered bongo antelope. Rivers contain many species of fish, crocodiles, and hippopotamuses. A rich and varied birdlife, as well as many species of snakes, bats, and insects, including many colourful butterflies and moths- makes the territory zoologically one of the most distinctive in Africa.
There are several national parks and wildlife reserves, including Bamingui- Bangoran National Park, Manovo-Gounda- St. Floris National Park, Zemongo Faunal Reserve, Dzanga- Ndoki National Park and Dzanga-Sangha Special Dense Forest Reserve.
BANGUI
If your film production is looking for a vibrant and unique location for your next project consider Bangui, the capital of the CAR. This bustling city offers a mix of traditional and modern settings from colourful markets and bustling streets to versatile architecture.
BOALI WATERFALLS
Located outside of the town of Boali can offer a picturesque setting, with breath-taking natural beauty and convenient location, Boali Waterfalls is an ideal spot to film production.
KEMBE FALLS
Located in the heart of the CAR dense jungle, with its natural beauty and remote setting, filmmakers seeking to capture the essence of Africa’s raw beauty will find this their perfect location.
CLIMATE
CAR has a tropical, humid equatorial forest zone in the south and a Sahelo- Sudanian climate in the north. The country experiences hot, dry winters and mild to hot, wet summers (June to August). During the rainy season (March to October/November) heavy rainstorms occur almost daily, and early morning fog is typical. The dry season (harmattan) begins in October and end in February or March. The air is dry and temperatures range between 18 and 40 °C, it is warm during the day and cooler at night. Sandstorms and dust storms occur in the extreme north.
LANGUAGES
Central Africans speak a wide variety of languages, including Baya (Gbaya), Banda, Ngbaka, Sara, Mbum, Kare, and Mandjia. French and Sango are the official languages.
TRANSPORTATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The only international airport is at Bangui-Mpoko, there are several regional airports and many other airstrips, internal services are irregular, depending on supply of aviation fuel. With no direct access to the seas, no railways, and only 600 km of paved roads, travel is difficult. The country relies on waterways (the Ubangi and other rivers) for communication and commerce.
A private telecommunications company now runs a domestic Internet and e-mail service.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM EQUIPMENT AND CREW IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC.
You will need to bring in all camera, lighting and grip equipment from abroad.
CAR has a very small pool of local directors, directors of photography and still photographers. Key crew should be brought in from abroad.
VISAS AND WORK PERMITS
Applications for a visa must include an official invitation letter from a locally based fixers, as well as proof of yellow fever vaccination. Visitors to CAR must obtain a visa from one of the Central African Republic diplomatic missions or French diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. Although US passport holders are exempt from obtaining a visa for stays of up to 180 days, some airlines require proof of CAR visa prior to allowing boarding.
SAFETY
Political and security conditions remain unstable throughout the CAR. Military operations are ongoing throughout the country. Armed and criminal groups continue to operate in large areas of the country. Security is highly advised when traveling there.