WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS IN BAMAKO HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING IN MALI, AFRICA
Mali, a landlocked country in Western Africa, shares a border with Niger on the east, Burkina Faso and the Côte d’Ivoire on the south, Guinea to the south-west, Senegal and Mauritania to the west, and Algeria to the north.
Mali mostly lies in the southern Sahara and is mostly flat, but rises to rolling northern plains covered by sand. In the northeast, the Adrar des Ifoghas is a large massif.In the south, the climate is tropical and it is arid in the north. There is little rainfall in Mali. The rainy season is from late June to early December. The Niger River commonly floods in the rainy season. Mali’s natural resources include uranium, phosphates, gold, salt, limestone, and kaolinite. There are many environmental challenges including erosion, inadequate water, deforestation, and desertification.
Mali is largely flat and arid. The Niger River flows through its interior, functioning as the main trading and transport artery in the country. Sections of the river flood periodically, providing much-needed fertile agricultural soil along its banks as well as creating pasture for livestock.
From the 50 languages in Mali, French is the official one and Bambara is the most extensively spoken.
The national currency of Mali is West African CFA franc, XOF. Both Pounds and dollar are accepted in every money exchange facility but the better option would be Dollars. ATMS are available in each city, so just carry small amount in dollars and withdraw money from ATMS.
The crime rate ranges from medium to high. The main problems are related to robberies, drug trafficking, and a high level of corruption.
At present there are no tax incentives for foreign film production in Mali.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM PERMIT ,VISAS AND WORK PERMITS WHEN FILMING ON LOCATION IN THE MALI,AFRICA
Visas & Work Permits
You can use either tourist or business visas to enter Mali, either for single or multiple entries or for six-month stays. The typical processing for a visa takes up to 10 days. Visas are not available upon arrival in Mali. Youmust obtainyour visain advance of travel. Local film fixers in Niger will assist with film permit applications which will include accreditation for international crew.
Film Location Permits for Mali
It is recommended that a local film fixer and location manager provide this service as unauthorised photography is against the law. Penalties include fines, imprisonment and confiscation of equipment.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN THE MALI,AFRICA
The north of the country lies in the Sahara desert. The south is the subtropical and savannah zone. A land that is steeped in rich traditions and culture, Mali is best known for its medieval mosques and tombs made of mud, straw, and wood.
Mali’s agricultural film locations mostly lie along the banks of the Niger River and the Inner Niger Delta where you can find small-scale traditional farming of rice, cotton, and sorghum. Herding of cattle, sheep, and goats is a common scene. In terms of industrial locations gold is mined in the south and salt is mined in the north.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM CREWS,EQUIPMENT AND TALENT IN MALI,AFRICA
Mali has a very small local pool of directors, videographers and stills photographers. Key film crew should be brought in from abroad or neighbouring Ivory Coast or Senegal.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
All film equipment will have to be shipped from neighbouring African countries.