Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film / photography production support or shooting crew in Eritrea? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING IN ERITREA
For an introduction to shooting in Eritrea see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.
FILM LOCATIONS
Eritrea is a country located on Africa’s Red Sea coast.
Eritrea has hosted productions such as Nike’s Breaking2.
Film locations can be divided into the following six Zobas (regions):
Maekel: The smallest region in Eritrea, Maekel contains the national capital, Asmara. The city is known for its interesting Modernist architecture built during Mussolini’s occupation of Eritrea, including the Art Deco style Cinema Impero, Cinema Roma, Governor’s Palace, and the Futurist style Fiat Tagliero Building. Other locations of note include Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral, Cattedrale di Asmara, Asmara Central Market, and Cimitero Italiano Di Asmara.
This centrally located region is predominately highland plateau, which is cooler than the regions around the coastal plains. Semenawi Bahri National Park is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including leopards and many species of birds.
Anseba: The northern region is known for the Anseba River and the city of Keren. The region is predominately highland plateau, which is cooler than the regions around the coastal plains.
Gash-Barka: Situated in the south, the region is rich in agriculture and minerals, including marble. Towns of note include Barentu, Agordat, Molki, Sebderat, and Teseney.
Debub: This southern region is predominately coastal plains. Mount Soira is the highest point in Eritrea. Qohaito is a pre-Aksumite archaeological site.
Northern Red Sea: The region is mostly coastal plains, which are hotter than the regions around the highland plateau. The Dahlak archipelago has unspoilt beaches, turquoise waters, coral reef and underwater photography options. Lake Kulul is in this region. The port city of Massawa, knowns for its Italian, Egyptian and Ottoman architecture is located in this region. There is an old steam train running from Massawa to Asmara that travels over bridges and through striking mountainous landscapes. Adulis is an important archaeological site.
FILM LOCATION PERMITS
Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Unauthorised photography of military or government installations is illegal. Penalties may include arrest, fines and confiscation of film equipment. Please contact us for location specific information.
WHEN TO FILM?
The central highlands, coastal region, and western lowlands each have a different climate. Generally speaking, Eritrea has good year-round sunny and dry filming conditions. Short rains fall from February to April and long rains fall from June to September. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
The Eritrean National Festival takes place in August. Ramadan is widely observed by the majority Muslim population living in the lowland areas, with many services closed during this period.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs.
COSTS & TAX INCENTIVES
Locations, local talent and support crew are inexpensive but since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Our Eritrean fixer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.
At present there are no tax incentives for foreign commercials or feature films shooting in Eritrea.
FILM CREW & TALENT
Eritrea has a very small pool of local directors, videographers and stills photographers. Key crew should be brought in from abroad. Eritrea’s proximity to Dubai and Kenya allows easy access to those experienced crews.
Day rates and buyouts are negotiable. The Tigrinya and Tigre make up the vast majority of Eritrea’s nine ethnic groups. All other talent needs to be brought in from abroad.
Contact us if you are looking for a director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew for your shoot in Eritrea.
FILM EQUIPMENT
Only the most basic camera, lighting and grip equipment is available locally. You will need to bring in most standard equipment from abroad. Please note, all electronic equipment including cameras and laptops need to be declared upon arrival. Failure to do so may result in their confiscation by customs officials when you depart.
VISAS & WORK PERMITS
Most nationals are required to have a visa to enter Eritrea. Travel outside of Asmara requires a special permit from the Ministry of Tourism. Our local fixer in Asmara is able to assist with the process to ensure the application process runs smoothly.