Film Fixer in Burundi Bujumbura

Are you looking for a local and Reliable Film Fixer in Burundi Bujumbura to provide production support services such as securing filming permits, media accreditation, kit customs & visas? You are in the right place and Eco Film Fixers will help you fix all the required services for you to have a successful shoot in Burundi Bujumbura.

The process and procedures for applying for Filming permits In Burundi. (Press Accreditations & other relevant Permissions) can be tiresome without the help of a professional Film Fixer in Burundi Bujumbura like Eco Film Fixers. All Burundi Filming Permits are issued by the National Office of Tourism. The Burundi Film Authority is mandated by the Burundi government to oversee all issuance of valid Filming permits to Film in Burundi.

For all filming Crews and Production Companies, we recommend that you allow ample time to the process of application, and acquiring all your Burundi Filming Permits (Press Accreditations, media cards, and Location Permissions). If you have limited time, a rushed last-minute permit can also be possible however, the costs are much higher.

General Filming permits for Filming in Burundi

Filming in Burundi requires several permits and licenses, depending on the location and type of production. Permits can be applied for through the National Office of Tourism. The Burundi Film Authority regulates all filming activities inthe country and issues permits for film and video productions. The authority also ensures that all productions adhere to Burundi’s laws and regulations on censorship and content classification. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get this paperwork. It is illegal to take photos of sensitive buildings in Burundi, photographing airports, military sites or government buildings is prohibited. 

Film equipment clearance into the country

Burundi is not an ATA Carnet country and so our local film fixers require a list of the equipment with serial numbers and current market value of all film gear international film producer wish to bring into the country on a temporary import permit. As film gear is not available in Burundi the process to bring equipment into the country is simple. 

Accreditation for international film crew

As this region is in the infant stages of developing its local film industry, its best to contact Eco Film Fixers Burundi for the latest criteria for temporary work permits for international film crews wishing to film on location in the region.

Visas & Work Permits

You must get a visa to enter Burundi, this can be done via any Burundian diplomatic mission, before travel. The country’s visa policy is strict, with visas only available upon arrival at the airport. Business and tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Bujumbura airport and any land or maritime entry points. You can get a 30-day visa upon arrival at the Bujumbura Airport with a payment of USD90 for multiple entries and USD70 for a single entry. 

Filmmakers from America and Europe can obtain their visas for filming in Burundi through the nearest embassy or consulate. They will need to provide a list of documents, including a passport with at least six months of validity. Likewise, you’ll need a letter of invitation from a local Burundian organization or a production company that is filming in Burundi, a certificate of good conduct, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. The visa application process usually takes around two weeks to complete.

Film Location Permits for Burundi

Time, money, and the right approach will ensure most locations for the purposes of filming. Unauthorized filming, photography, or any other recording of government buildings, military installations, and critical infrastructures such as airports and border controls, is illegal. Penalties include arrest, fines and confiscation of your equipment.

Transport

Burundi’s transport network is limited and underdeveloped. Bujumbura International Airport is the only airport with a paved runway, serviced by four airlines: namely; Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and RwandAir.

Burundi Vehicle Hire Services

Eco film fixers will help you organize transport for film crews to film in Bujumbura City, Burundi depending on their interest, budget and the nature of roads in such selected locations to film. We recommend Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers which costs from USD200-250 per vehicle per day with Driver/Fixer or 4×4 Safari Vans from USD200 per Van per day with driver/Fixer. For us to estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your filming schedule to establish mileage and distance to be traveled.

What Our Local Film Fixer in Burundi Bujumbura Have To Say About Film Locations In Burundi

One of the smallest countries in Africa, and one of the poorest in the world. Approximately 80% of Burundi’s population lives in poverty.  Burundi is home to biodiversity, including chimpanzees, baboons, buffaloes, hippos, and a wide range of birdlife. National Parks of interest include the Kibira and Ruvubu. National Reserves of interest include the Bururi, Rusizi, Rwihinda Lake, and Vanda. Saga’s white sand beaches on Lake Tanganyika and Kagera Waterfall are film locations of note. Burundi agricultural film locations include coffee, tea, sugarcane, and cotton plantations. Gitega, Burundi’s charming former capital offers vistas of beautiful mountain forests for a unique filming opportunity.

Burundi is an affordable location for filmmakers, ideal filming location for several reasons, diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a relatively unexplored location for film productions- filmmakers can capture unique and original footage that has not been seen before.

What Our Local Film Fixers Have To Say About Film Crews, Equipment And Talent In Burundi

Local film crews

Burundi has a small pool of local directors or directors of photography or stills photographers. Local supporting teams can assist with basic projects, most crew will need to be brought over from abroad. Kenya being the closest major production centre for experienced teams. 

Film equipment

When it comes to filming equipment, Burundi has limited options available for rent or purchase. Basic cameras, lighting, and sound equipment can be rented from local suppliers, but for more specialized equipment, it may be necessary to import it from Nairobi, Kenya.

Talent

The Burundian talent pool is limited to African looks. The main ethnic groups in this region are the Hutu and Tutsi, all other looks need to be brought in from abroad.

CULTURAL FACTS

Filmmakers should be mindful of cultural rules, Burundians have a deep respect for their culture and traditions, so it is important to show respect for them. It is customary to shake hands when greeting someone, it is considered rude to refuse a handshake. Burundians place great importance on family and community, as well as the concept of ‘ubuntu’, or the belief in the interconnectedness of all beings.

Bujumbura is a former main capital of Burundi. It is located on the north-eatsern shore of Lake Tanganyika the second deepest lake in the world. In December 2018 the capital of Burundi was changed from Bujumbura o Gitega by the late Preident Pierre Nkurunziza full fillinghis promise he made in 2007. There is much o film in Bujumbura ranging from culture, Rivers Ruzizi, Burundi culture among others. Bujumbura has a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Its wet season is from October to April, while the dry season covers the remaining five months.

What to film in Bujumbura

Saga Beach

Saga Beach is one of the Bujumbura’s Lake Tanganyika beaches one of the best urban Beach of any landlocked country in Africa.

Institute Français Burundi

The institute hosts a diverse and exciting array of cultural events which take in everything from art house films to exhibitions and food. It has a great standard with French cultural institutes.

Zoo in Bujumbura

Zoo in Bujumbura is home to various animals which include chimp, a leopard, several crocodiles, various snakes and some antelopes in cramped, dirty and exposed cages. The guinea pigs for sale at the reception are food for the carnivores, and if you buy one, you’ll get a graphic demonstration of the food chain in action, you will need advance permissions for you to film in this zoo.

Central Market in Market in Bujumbura

Central Market in Market in Bujumbura is the largest in Burundi and is an interesting place to poke around in with its maze-like corridors and closet-sized stalls. The market is organised into sections, from the colourful fresh produce stores to shops selling nothing but secondhand clothing donated by western nations. The tiny fish, which smell so badly when fresh, are a local delicacy when dried (mukeke), you will have an opportunity to film the local foods of Burundi and how local vending is done in Burundi

Where to stay when filming in Bujumbura City, Burundi

Lodge options to stay in during filming in Bujumbura City, Burundi range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. You will choose what to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Lodge options include Sanga Resort Beach, Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Urban Lodge, Hotel Blue Velvet among others

What is the best time to film in Bujumbura City, Burundi?

Filming in Bujumbura City, Burundi is done throughout the year and the best time is during the months of December to February and then June to October which is relatively drier than March to May and November.

Why use Eco film fixers to film in Burundi

Eco Film Fixers is a Local Film Fixer in Burundi Bujumbura, we have assisted filming companies and Production agencies in Uganda and East Africa as a whole for the last 8 years. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are processed in the shortest time possible. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Bujumbura City, Burundi.