WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING IN THE RWANDA
Rwanda, warmly known as “the land of a thousand hills” is situated in in Central/Eastern Africa, and is bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, and Burundi to the south. It lies a few degrees south of the equator and is landlocked. The capital, Kigali, is located near the centre of Rwanda.
Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate, with lower temperatures than are typical for equatorial countries due to its high elevation. Kigali, in the centre of the country, has a typical daily temperature range between 12 °C (54 °F) and 27 °C (81 °F), with little variation through the year. Rwanda has four climatic seasons during which the long rainy (March-April-May) and short rainy (September-October-November) seasons alternate with long dry (June-July-August) and short dry seasons (December-January-February).
The people of Rwanda mainly speak three major languages: Kinyarwanda, French, and English. These three languages are also official.
The Rwandan franc (Rfr) is the principal currency, although US dollars are widely accepted. Expect to pay for local services in cash, in Rwandan francs. The greater the amount, the more likely US dollars or other hard currencies are preferred, such as gorilla tracking and upmarket hotels.
Rwanda is one of the safest destinations in Africa. Crime is relatively low, with visitors sometimes experiencing petty crime, and locals are welcoming, friendly, and hospitable.
At present there are no tax incentives for foreign commercials or films shooting in Rwanda however the government of President Paul Kagame and powerful players in the country’s nascent audiovisual industry have thrown their weight behind transforming this Eastern African nation into a hub for film and television production, both local and international.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN RWANDA
Rwanda, The Land of a Thousand Hills, is a landlocked country best known for its breath-taking scenery of lush mountains, green valleys, wildlife parks, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.
Agricultural film locations of interest include coffee, tea, corn, and banana plantations. Industrial locations include tin, tantalum, coltan, and tungsten mines. Energy locations include hydroelectric dams and gas-fired power plants.
Since banning plastic bags and packaging Rwanda has become one of the cleanest nations in Africa.
Film location of note includes, Kigali, the capital where Hotel Rwanda was filmed. This city is renowned for its colourful markets and its terraced countryside.
The Northern Province best known for its stunning Volcanoes National Park is home to the mountain gorillas.Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Bisoke are dormant volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains and Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera must not be forgotten
The Western Province has many National Park and offer a variety of wildlife that includes mountain gorillas, one of Africa’s largest concentration of chimpanzees,Lake Kivu being one of Africa’s great lakes and Bisesero Genocide Memorial Centre is located near Karongi-Kibuye.
The Southern Province is where The King’s Palace Museum is a reconstruction of the traditional thatched royal residence.
The Eastern Province offers Akagera National Park is known for its woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah as well as the zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and hundreds of bird species that live there as well as the Rusumo Falls is a waterfall located on the Kagera river.
WHAT HOODLUM FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT PERMIT AND VISA REQUIREMENT WHEN FILMING IN THE RWANDA
FILM LOCATION PERMITS
Film location permits to shoot in public locations around Rwanda are generally quick and easy to get. Unauthorised photography of military sites, government buildings, airports, and public monuments is prohibited. Privately owned location fee is negotiated by the local film fixers.
PRESS ACCREDITATION FOR INTERNATIONAL FILM CREW
Rwanda requires Press Accreditation for each crew member from the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Sports & Culture. This usually takes a minimum of three weeks to process. Local film fixer will arrange for all accreditations. Passport scans and passport size photos as well as other documents are required to obtain authorization.
FILM EQUIPMENT IMPORT PERMITS FOR FILMING IN RWANDA
Temporary import permit will be arranged by local film fixers after all the necessary film permits and permissions have been obtained. A list of the film gear with serial numbers and market value is required after which a quote for costs will be shared.
VISAS
Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Most passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival.
WHAT HOODLUM FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE TALENT WHEN FILMING IN RWANDA
Talent day rates and buyouts are reasonable and negotiated on a personal level. The Hutu are the largest ethnic group. The Tutsi people are another significant group. The Twa minority are an indigenous pygmy people. All other talent looks need to be cast abroad.
WHAT HOODLUM FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION WHEN FILMING IN RWANDA
Main roads between Kigali and other major towns are generally in good condition. Rural areas have dirt roads which can affect travel times especially in wet weather. During the rainy season, some roads become impassable.
Accommodation. Film friendly hotels in Kigali with special corporate rates include:
