FILMING IN SUDAN

Filming in Sudan

When filming in Sudan, it is worth noting just how much the country has to offer. The diversity of natural landscapes in the region is a big pull for many film crews as the country boasts deserts, mountain ranges, swamps and rainforests. Sudan is also blessed by the White and Blue Nile rivers that flow through Khartoum, the nations’ capital city. While the most commonly spoken language is Arabic, there is a massive presence of hundreds of different ethnic groups that are accompanied by hundreds of indigenous languages. Majority of the population is Muslim, and the main currency used is the Sudanese pound.

At Film Fixers, we are dedicated to ensuring your crew gets everything it needs when filming in Sudan. As local producers we not only have expertise in securing locations, but we also have years of experience when dealing with any obstructions that occur on film productions. Rain or shine, tooth and nail, we will ensure that your crew gets the shot at the end of the day. Allow Film Fixers to help you fully realize your Sudanese production.

Customs and Equipment

Sudan is not a member of the ATA Carnet system, which affects how customs may work. You are allowed to check in film equipment as ordinary luggage if they are small enough. Small cameras, mics and so on may fit this bill.

When filming in Sudan, all film equipment should be sourced externally as Sudan is not well known for its rigid film infrastructure, and crews will struggle to find equipment within the country.

Access and Affordability

Khartoum International Airport is the countries’ main international terminal and is found in the capital of the same name, with several international airlines flying in and out f the city. Road conditions are poor outside of major towns. Roads in the south during the wet season can become impassable, and road travel by night is not recommended.

Weather and Climate

Sudan has a tropical climate. Summer temperatures often exceed 43.3 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit) in the desert zones, and rainfall is negligible. Dust storms frequently occur in desert zone. High temperatures also occur in the south throughout the central plains region, but the humidity is generally low.

There are two main seasons: wet and dry. Take or give one month, the wet season begins roughly about the end of April and ends about the end of November, followed by the dry season.

Why film in Sudan?

Excellent locations to film the White and Blue Nile rivers, which is always a photogenic site.
Historical remnants of the Kushite Kingdom, including pyramids that predate those in Giza, conjure awe and intrigue.
Various national parks within the country offer an unrivaled spectacle of nature.
While it may be dangerous, the civil unrest in the region always offers filming opportunities.

Top Film Locations

Khartoum– The nations’ capital, the city of Khartoum offers many interesting film locations. Mosques, museums, lively markets and the Khartoum Botanical Gardens are all locations of note. Additionally, as the site where the Blue Nile and White Nile meet, the film potential in this area is quite substantial.

Pyramids of Meroe– A collection of pyramids that form part of the greater collection of Nubian pyramids are relicts from the old Kingdom of Kush. Steeped in history and providing a highly filmable location, the Pyramids of Meroe are some of Sudan’s greatest attractions.

Precontinent II– The last visible reminder of a series of three French underwater habitats built between 1962 and 1965, Precontinent II was an attempt at creating an environment in which people could live and work on the sea floor.

Suakin Island– the ruins of Suakin Island, thought to be Ptolemy’s Port of Good Hope still stands about 50 kilometres north of Port Sudan was once the regions most prolific port city.

Al Dinder National Park– Located in the south-east of Sudan, Al Dinder National Park is our favourite of the four major national parks within the country. Boasting excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, the beauty of the landscape itself is enough to strike awe.