South Africa’s film and television industry continues to play an increasingly important role in creating employment opportunities and attracting foreign investment, contributing an estimated R3.5 billion to the national economy in 2013. The favorable exchange rate, picturesque locations, as well as the impressive repertoire of internationally acclaimed productions filmed within its borders, have solidified South Africa’s reputation as a premier filmmaking destination.
South African Immigration Act Issues
However, concerns over the recent amendments to the South African Immigration Act have called into question the nation’s potential to continue attracting prospective filmmakers. Among other reforms, the stringent new regulations state that initial visa applications must be lodged in person from the applicant’s home country. Critics of the new policies have argued that A-list actors simply don’t have the luxury of traveling back to their home countries and waiting for unknown periods of time.
Immigration reforms curbing film industry
The immigration reforms pose a new set of challenges to an already hamstrung film industry, which was levied with a ban on using air-drone cameras by the Civil Aviation Authority earlier this year. While the long term repercussions of the disincentives remain to be seen, local film production studio, Cape Town Film Studios, continues to be inundated with the requests of international filmmakers wanting to shoot in South Africa. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the famous faces anytime soon, be sure to make your way down to Cape Town, where Sean Penn, Javier Bardem and Charlize Theron are busy with the production of an upcoming film, The Last Face.
Film Production Visas
For more information on how your production team can secure the necessary visas for your project, don’t hesitate to contact us.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column]
Speak to a professional
Contact Le Roux Attorneys, South African Visa specialists about your visa application. Start by selecting one of the enquiry options below