Introduction
Hoodlum provides top-tier film fixer services in Sudan, offering essential support to international production teams. With extensive local expertise and hands-on experience, we specialize in securing permits, scouting stunning locations, and assembling skilled local crews to ensure a smooth and efficient production process from start to finish.
Sudan’s landscapes range from the vast golden dunes of the Sahara to the ancient pyramids of Meroë, the dramatic Nile River, and vibrant marketplaces of Khartoum.
Whether you’re looking for desert vistas, historical sites, or culturally rich urban settings, Sudan offers a unique and visually captivating backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, reality shows, and documentaries.
Planning to film in Sudan? Hoodlum takes care of every logistical detail—from obtaining permits to sourcing the perfect locations—so you can focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today to discover how we can make your Sudan production a seamless success.
Country Overview
Sudan, a land where ancient history meets untamed wilderness, offers filmmakers a striking fusion of cultural depth and landscapes. Vast desert expanses rippling under the sun, the mighty Nile carving through arid terrain, and bustling souks alive with colour and movement.
For productions seeking epic scenery, the otherworldly Bayuda Desert stretches endlessly, its volcanic black basalt contrasting against golden sands—perfect for dramatic and adventure sequences. The towering pyramids of Meroë, remnants of a forgotten empire, provide a hauntingly beautiful setting for historical and fantasy narratives. Along the banks of the Nile, the ancient temples of Soleb and the labyrinthine streets of Omdurman immerse productions in a world where past and present intertwine.
Beyond the landscapes, Sudan’s rich cultural heritage adds depth to any story. In remote Nubian villages, homes painted in intricate geometric patterns echo centuries-old traditions, while the rhythmic beat of traditional drumming in Khartoum’s streets pulses with life. The confluence of the White and Blue Nile forms a mesmerizing backdrop, offering a dynamic interplay of nature and civilization.
Bordering Countries:
Libya, Egypt, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea
Main Cities:
Khartoum, Omdurman, Nyala, Port Sudan
Local Languages:
Arabic and English
Local Currency:
Sudanese Pound (SDG)
Climate:
Sudan’s mean annual temperatures range from 26°C to 32°C, with summer temperatures in the north frequently surpassing 43°C. Rainfall patterns are highly unpredictable and vary significantly between the northern and southern regions.
Visa Requirements
General Requirements
A visa is required for all nationalities.
Required Documents for Application
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date).
- A fully completed and signed Sudan visa application form.
- A recent passport-sized photo (taken within the last six months) that meets Sudan visa photo requirements.
- Proof of visa fee payment.
- A valid vaccination certificate.
Processing Time
Typically takes around 10 days, but may vary depending on nationality.
Visa Application Link
International crew accreditation
Filming Permit and Accreditation
Filming permits and crew accreditation are processed simultaneously.
International crew members will be listed on the film permit
Required Information and Documentation
- Company profile from the production company
- Synopsis of the project, including details of what will be filmed in Sudan
- Passport scan and two passport photos of each crew member
- Visa scan of each crew member
- Equipment list with serial numbers
Timings
Processing time: 2-3 weeks
General Film Permit
Issuing Authority
The General Film Permit is issued by two government agencies, namely- Ministry of Culture & Information and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Timings
Processing time for the permit: 2-3 weeks
Required Information and Documentation
To apply for the permit, you will need to provide:
- Company profile from the production company
- Treatment, synopsis, or script of the project
- Scanned passport of each crew member
- Two passport-sized photos of each crew member
- Scanned visa of each crew member
- List of equipment entering Sudan, including serial numbers
Cost
The cost of the permit is:
- Approximately $450 US dollars for standard filming
- Approximately $1500 US dollars if filming with a drone
Private Locations
Location Scouting
Hoodlum Sudan will provide options based on the production brief.
Once a location is selected, a standard location agreement will be drawn up.
Location Agreement
The location agreement will be agreed upon and signed with the location owner, outlining the terms and conditions of the location use.
Cost
Hoodlums Scout/Fixer will negotiate a fee with the private location owner on behalf of the production company.
Drone Permit
Registration Requirements
All drones must be registered with the Aviation Authority.
Drone Importation Regulations
Importing a drone requires official permission, which is issued along with the general film permit.
Permit Issuing Authority
Drone permits are issued by the Ministry of Culture & Information and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Required Information for Local Drone Registration
Applicants must provide details including the drone make and model, serial number, and a valid pilot license.
Processing Time
The permit approval process typically takes between two to three weeks.
Cost
The registration and importation permission fee is $1,000.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Is it a Carnet Country?
Sudan is not a Carnet country.
General Process for Non-Carnet Countries
- To import filming equipment for a production in Sudan, the following steps are required:
- Submit an import request for the filming equipment.
- Provide a detailed list of the equipment, including serial numbers.
- Declare the value of the equipment.
Required Information for Equipment Customs Clearance
A detailed list of all filming equipment, including serial numbers.
The declared value of the equipment.
Permit Issuing Authority
Clearance is issued by Sudanese Customs.
Processing Time
The process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Cost
The cost for customs clearance is at the discretion of Sudanese Customs.
Safety and Security
General Overview
Sudan is generally a safe country, particularly in the main cities such as Khartoum and Port Sudan.
Type of Security Required
The level of security required depends on the specific area you plan to visit.
Conclusion
At Hoodlum, we handle every aspect of your production with expert precision—securing access to protected sites, navigating the permit process, assembling experienced local crews, and streamlining logistics in this vast and complex land. Whether your project calls for cinematic isolation, cultural immersion, or historic wonder, Sudan stands ready to shape your story.
Let us unlock Sudan’s hidden treasures for your next production.