WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING ON LOCATION IN GUINEA BISSAU
GUINEA-BISSAU FILM LOCATIONS
Guinea-Bissau is a small, low lying West African country. Film locations can be divided into the following regions: Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, and Tombali.
Bissau is the capital and largest city. The coastal city is known for its decaying Portuguese colonial architecture, Fortaleza de Sao Jose da Amura, French Cultural Centre, Oswaldo Vieira Airport, and the port of Bissau.
Florestas de Castanhez National Park is in the south of the country. The area is home to chimpanzees, hippos, West African manatees, and a diversity of birdlife.
Varela National Park, located in the northwest of the country has mangrove forests, coastal savannas, and beautiful beaches where turtles come to hatch their eggs.
Lagoas Cufada National Park, located on the coast, is a landscape of lagoons and wetlands that are home to hippos, chimpanzees, waterbucks, buffalos, hyenas, and leopards.
The Bijagos Archipelago lies off the mainland, home to the Bijago people, the islands are known for their beautiful beaches and wealth of biodiversity.
BEST TIME TO FILM IN GUINEA BISSAU
November to April is the best time to visit Guinea- Bissau, outside of the rainy season, when the weather is warm, humid but dry.
GUINEA-BISSAU FILM EQUIPMENT
You will need to bring in all camera, grip, and lighting equipment from abroad.
FILM CREW & TALENT
Guinea-Bissau has a very small local pool of crew available locally, key crew must be brought in from abroad.
Talent day rates are reasonable, and buyouts are negotiated on a personal basis. Creole is the main language locals use to communicate with each other., The Fula, Balanta, and Mandinka are the largest ethnic groups. Minority groups include Papel, Manjako, Beafada, Mancanha, Bijagos, Felupe, Mansoanca, Balanta, Mane, Nalu, Saracule, and Soso people. Some mixed African- Portuguese looks are also available.
VISAS AND WORK PERMITS
Entry visas are required by all Western passport holders. Evidence of yellow-fever vaccination is also required for entry. A project synopsis may also be asked for. Most travelers apply for Bissau-Guinean visas en route in Dakar, Senegal, or Lisbon, Portugal.