Rwanda as a Filming Location for Hollywood Movies

Rwanda has steadily gained recognition as a viable and attractive filming location, moving beyond its past association primarily with the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. While films directly addressing the genocide have been shot there, Rwanda’s diverse landscapes, commitment to stability, and growing infrastructure are making it appealing for a broader range of productions, including Hollywood features and documentaries.

Key Factors Making Rwanda an Attractive Filming Location:

Diverse and Stunning Landscapes:
- Volcanoes National Park: The misty Virunga Mountains, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, offer breathtaking natural backdrops perfect for wildlife documentaries and adventurous narratives. This was famously utilized in “Gorillas in the Mist.”
- Nyungwe Forest National Park: An ancient montane rainforest, ideal for stories requiring lush, dense jungle environments, chimpanzees, and rich biodiversity.
- Akagera National Park: Savannah landscapes with the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), lakes, and vast plains, providing classic African safari settings.
- Lake Kivu: The serene, crocodile-free waters of Lake Kivu, with its islands and surrounding hills, offer beautiful lakeside scenery.
- Kigali: Rwanda’s capital is clean, modern, and visually striking with its undulating hills and contemporary architecture, suitable for urban scenes.
- Rural Scenery: The iconic “land of a thousand hills” provides endless picturesque rural backdrops.
Safety and Stability: Rwanda is renowned for its high levels of safety, security, and political stability, which are crucial considerations for international film crews.
Filming Permits and Regulations:
- The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is the primary government body responsible for processing filming permits. They aim to make the process efficient, often requiring applications at least 15 working days in advance.
- Additional permits may be needed for national parks (from REMA – Rwanda Environment Management Authority or RDB directly) or cultural heritage sites.
- Costs vary, but Rwanda is often cited as a cost-effective filming destination in East Africa.
Logistical Support:
- Equipment Import: Rwanda allows temporary importation of filming equipment via a carnet or temporary import permit.
- Drone Regulations: Strict but clear regulations exist for drone use, requiring prior approval from the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA).
- Local Talent and Fixers: A growing pool of local fixers, production assistants, and skilled crew members can assist with logistics, location scouting, translation, and cultural liaison.
Historical and Social Narratives: While the focus is shifting, Rwanda’s post-genocide story of resilience, reconciliation, and rapid development continues to be a powerful narrative for compelling dramas and documentaries.

Notable Films with Rwandan Connections:

“Gorillas in the Mist” (1988): Though filmed partially in Kenya due to security concerns at the time, its primary setting and inspiration are Dian Fossey’s work in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
“Hotel Rwanda” (2004): While largely filmed in South Africa, this iconic Hollywood film is based on true events in Kigali during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“Sometimes in April” (2005): An HBO film that was one of the first major productions to extensively film on location in Rwanda after the genocide, directly depicting the events.
“Shake Hands with the Devil” (2007): Based on the memoirs of Romeo Dallaire, the UN force commander during the genocide, this film had significant portions shot in Rwanda.
“Trees of Peace” (2021): A Netflix original drama inspired by actual events of four women hiding during the genocide, acquired for worldwide distribution by Netflix.

Rwanda’s proactive approach to conservation, its stunning natural beauty, and its commitment to stability continue to make it an increasingly appealing choice for international filmmakers seeking authentic and impactful locations.