The agreement between the South African Department of Home Affairs, the Commercial Producers Association (CPA), the South African Association of Stills Producers (SAASP) and the National Association of Model Agencies (NAMA) essentially means that it is now easier for international clients, stars and film crews to enter and work in South Africa.



Earlier this year serious concerns were raised by the fledgling industry that faced serious damage under the specifications of the new South African immigration laws. At that time the new laws had halted several international productions damaging the country’s image as a film industry friendly location and deterring the income associated with these film and movie shoots.

The development will make the requirements considerably simpler and gives some relief to the difficult situation faced by the film sector in recent times.

Monica Rorvik, head of film promotion at Wesgro, the Western Cape’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency said the agreement takes into consideration two types of travellers to South Africa, “the oversight group which consists of client, agency and production company personnel and the specialist group which comprises of actors, models, directors, DP’s, technicians and art department are the two groups which are impacted by recent developments,” said Rorvik.

According to the agreement, the oversight group from visa exempt countries will now be able to travel to South Africa without having to pre-apply at a South African embassy. They will need to present a specific form, a copy of their travel itinerary and a letter from the CPA/SAASP/NAMA to the immigration officials at the airport who will then endorse their passports.

On the other hand the specialist group will still need to apply in advance to the South African embassy but the requirements have been streamlined to aid in this process.

“These new developments are welcomed by all role players in the industry and we are delighted with the outcome reached with the Department of Home Affairs. The new agreement is a positive for us and goes a long way in facilitating the promotion and growth of the Film Industry in The Western Cape and South Africa,” added Rorvik.