Rwanda
Why Film in Rwanda?
Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers breathtaking landscapes, political stability, and a fast-growing film industry. The country’s diverse scenery includes lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, serene lakes, and bustling cities. These locations make Rwanda a compelling destination for international productions. The government is supportive, offering film incentives and simplified permitting processes. This makes Rwanda an efficient and cost-effective choice for filmmakers.
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Capital City
Kigali
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Main Languages
Kinyarwanda (Official), French, English, Swahili
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Currency
Rwandan Franc (RWF)
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Weather
Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate with two main seasons. The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer clear skies and mild temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F). In contrast, the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush greenery but also heavy rainfall, which can impact outdoor filming.
Top Filming Locations
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Volcanoes National Park
This park is home to endangered mountain gorillas and offers breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Its mist-covered forests and diverse wildlife make it perfect for documentaries, adventure films, and conservation projects.
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Lake Kivu
With its crystal-clear waters, scenic beaches, and surrounding hills, Lake Kivu is a stunning location for romantic films, dramas, and tourism-based productions.
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Nyungwe Forest National Park
This vast rainforest features hanging bridges, waterfalls, and diverse primate species. It is ideal for wildlife documentaries, adventure films, and fantasy productions.
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Akagera National Park
Rwanda’s only savannah park is home to the Big Five. The park’s rolling plains, lakes, and wetlands make it an excellent choice for nature and wildlife films.
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Kigali City
A modern, vibrant city with contemporary architecture, bustling markets, and historical sites, Kigali offers an urban backdrop for political thrillers, business dramas, and cultural documentaries.
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King's Palace Museum
This historical site showcases Rwanda’s royal heritage. The museum features traditional architecture and cultural artifacts, making it ideal for period pieces and historical documentaries.
Visa Requirements
Rwanda operates an open-door policy, allowing most nationalities to obtain a visa on arrival. Online applications are also available through the Rwanda Directorate of Immigration and Emigration.
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Required Documentation
To apply for a visa, productions must provide a passport valid for at least six months, passport-sized photographs, a letter of invitation, hotel booking confirmation, and a medical certificate.
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Timings & Cost
The online application process takes only a few minutes. Visa fees vary depending on nationality, with costs typically ranging from $30 to $50.
International Crew Accreditation
Film permits and general accreditation are combined in Rwanda. The names of international crew members are listed on the film permit.
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Required Documentation
Accreditation requires a company profile from the production company, a synopsis of the film, passport scans and photos for all crew members, visa scans, and a detailed equipment list with serial numbers.
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Timings & Cost
The accreditation process takes seven working days and costs $100 per crew member.
General Film Permit
The Rwanda Media Commission issues film permits.
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Required Documentation
Productions must submit a letter of application from the media house or production company, a media or service card, passport scans and photos for each crew member, and a completed data sheet.
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Timings & Cost
The permit process takes approximately one week, with a cost of $500 per crew.
Drone Permit
Drone operations must comply with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCCA) guidelines.
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Importation Regulations
Rwanda has a ban on the importation of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). Local drone operators must be used, and they must be registered with the RCCA.
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Required Documentation
A company letterhead detailing the drone operation areas must be submitted to the RCCA by the registered local drone operator.
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Timings & Cost
Approval takes seven working days, with a fee of $200 per filming location.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Rwanda is not a Carnet country. A clearing agent is required to process a temporary importation permit for film equipment.
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Required Documentation
An equipment list with values and serial numbers must be provided.
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Issuing Organization
The Rwanda Revenue Authority (Customs Service Department) is responsible for customs clearance.
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Timings & Cost
Clearance takes approximately four working days, with costs amounting to 5% of the equipment’s value.
Safety and Security
Rwanda is known for its low crime rate and political stability, making it one of the safest filming destinations in Africa. Private security services can be arranged for added protection.
By following these guidelines, filmmakers can take full advantage of Rwanda’s stunning landscapes, efficient permitting process, and growing film industry to create high-quality productions.
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