A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Zimbabwe
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Zimbabwe: What You Need to Know
The foundation for all film permits in Zimbabwe is your letter of support from the ministry. ministry. Once you have Ministry clearance, you can apply for your film permits and for your team’s accreditation, which comes from the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC). This all comes with a cost:
- $2,000 USD project fee (for the production)
- $200 USD per crew member
All of this takes between 30 and 45 days, so we always advise clients to start the process at least 1.5 months in advance.
Timing Your Zimbabwe Film Production around the Weather
Filming in Zimbabwe is best from March to October. During these months you’ll experience a lot of dry, sunny, and warm weather with minimal rain, which is exceptionally good for wildlife and landscape shots.
June to October in particular provides excellent visibility and dry conditions, while late March to May offers breathtaking landscapes with abundantly flowing waterfalls.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
It is always possible to hire basic filming equipment in Zimbabwe. However, if you need more advanced gear, it’s better to bring it with you. This will be costly as Zimbabwe is not an ATA carnet country, but you will be certain of having everyhting that you need.
If you need a local crew that also speaks English, this will not be a problem. You may find the charges a little hire than non-English speaking crews but this is primarily because they have more experience on international sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Zimbabwe does not accept ATA carnets. To bring your equipment through, you will need to have your local film fixer apply for the filming permit first, then give this to the clearing agent who’ll then clear your equipment through Customs.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Zimbabwe is a safe country, but for filming in bust areas, please make use of our security services.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
You must have a business visa, which you can get via the Zimbabwe e-Visa portal or at the local embassy. However, to get this, you must first have your ZMC letter of support. This letter will need to be stamped when you arrive at Immigration.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes, you will need to partner with a company such as Fixer Zimbabwe that will organize your visas and can help you to film in the country.
Do I need a permit for drones?
You must have a drone permit. This is a lengthy and complex procedure, so it is advisable to hire local drones and operators.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
At this time there is no special tax exemption for a foreign film being made in Zimbabwe.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Filming in a national park is a possibility, but you will need your local fixer to apply for separate permits on your behalf. Whether you get the permits or not is solely at the discretion of the game park authorities.
Working with Fixer Zimbabwe
Five years ago we joined Storytailors, the global production support agency, and since then we’ve grown immensely as a company offering comprehensive services on international productions here in Zimbabwe and as part of multi-location shoots. Our regional work has involved clients such as BMW, Google, the World Health Organization, and CISCO.
