Ethiopia Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews

Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film / photography production support or shooting crew in Ethiopia? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.

Filming in Ethiopia

For an introduction to shooting in Ethiopia see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.

Ethiopia Film Locations

An ancient land, Ethiopia is a fascinating country offering a wealth of cultures and undiscovered, otherworldly locations. Ethiopia was never colonised by a European power.

Agricultural film locations include plantations of coffee, teff, wheat, corn, bananas, sugarcane, yams, chick peas, sesame seeds, and khat. Ethiopia also has vineyards. The country is also known for its cattle, camel, sheep, and goat farms. Ethiopia mines gold. Energy locations include hydroelectric plants.

Ethiopia has hosted productions including Samsara (2011), Clash of the Titans (2010), Life (2009), and The Amazing Race 6 (2004).

Film Locations can be divided into the following regions:

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital, the largest city, and main entry point by air. The city sits at the high altitude of 2,355 m (7,726 ft). Film locations of note include the National Museum, Addis Ababa University, Ethnological Museum, Addis Ababa Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Medhane Alem Cathedral, St George’s Cathedral, Anwar Mosque, Grand Abrhot Library, Addis Ababa City Hall, African Union Headquarters, Legehar train station, Addis Ababa Stadium, and Entoto Park Lookout. Addis Mercato is one of the largest outdoor markets in Africa. Unity Park is known for Menelik’s Palace and King’s Throne Hall. The Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum honours the victims of the 1970’s Derg Regime. The Tiglachin monument was designed by North Korea’s Mansudae Overseas Projects. Morning and evening traffic congestion is heavy in Addis, so be sure to plan your location moves accordingly.

Afar

The Danakil Depression is a vast, desert plain known for its volcanic landscapes and salt lakes. Sitting at 100 m below sea level, it is one of the world’s hottest and driest places. Clash of the Titans (2010) filmed in the Danakil Depression. Dallol is a cinder cone volcano known for its otherworldly colours and mineral patterns. Erta Ale is a continuously active basaltic shield volcano. Lake Karum is a salt lake.

Lake Abbe is a salt lake on the Ethiopia-Djibouti border. The otherworldly landscape is dotted with thousands of limestone spires of up to 50 metres, which shoot steaming sulphur into the air.

Awash National Park is known for its birdlife including the North African ostrich.

Yangudi Rassa National Park has a semi-desert wooded grassland landscape hom to the Somali Wild Ass, gerenuk, Soemmerring’s gazelle, East African oryx, lion, Grevy’s zebra, cheetah and leopard.

Lucy is a hominin fossil skeleton that was discovered in Hadar.

Amhara

The region is known for Lalibela monolithic rock-cut churches with the Church of St George being the most famous. Ben Abeba is an interesting restaurant in the area.

Simien Mountains National Park is home to the iconic Gelada baboon, Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf. Located within the park is Ras Dashen, the highest mountain in Ethiopia.

Alitash National Park is home to elephants, lions, Leopards, Greater Kudus, Lesser Kudus, and a diversity of birdlife.

Lake Tana is the country’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile River.

The Blue Nile Falls are an impressive film location.

Gondar is known for Fasil Ghebbi castle, Kuskuam Palace & Debre Berhan Selassie church.

Benishangul-Gumuz

This rural, forested western region is home primarily to the Amhara and Berta ethnic groups.

Dire Dawa

Located in the east, Dire Dawa is the country’s second largest city. It is a major hub for Ethiopia’s Somali, Oromo, and Afar ethnic groups. Film locations of note include a 19th century French-built train station and Kafira Market.

Gambela

Located in the west of the country, Gambella National Park has one of Ethiopia’s highest concentrations of wildlife including elephant, giraffe, hippopotamus, cheetah, leopard, lion, and spotted hyena.

Harari

This eastern region is home to the Harari people with the Oromo and Amhara being the other major ethnic groups.

Harar is an ancient Muslim city known for its city walls, wooden balconies, and hyena night-feeding rituals. The House of Arthur Rimbaud is located in Harar.

Harari is a coffee producing region.

Oromia

This southern region is home to the Oromo people with the Amhara being the other major ethnic group.

Yaya Africa Athletics Village is located just outside of Addis Ababa.

Shashamane is known for its Rastafarian community.

The Bale Mountains National Park is home to unique fauna such as the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, and giant molerat.

Abijatta-Shalla National Park is known for its hot springs and lakes.

Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary protects the Swayne’s hartebeest.

Coffee is widely produced in Djimmah and Limmu.

Somali

This eastern region is home to a predominately Somali population.

Gerale National Park is home to the Beisa Oryx, Grant’s gazelle, Gerenuk, Lesser Kudu, Guenther’s Dik-Dik, and a diversity of birdlife.

Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region

This fertile southwestern region is home to over 45 indigenous ethnic groups including the Mursi, Surma, and Hamar people.

Nechisar National Park is home to the zebra, crocodile, Anubis baboon, Vervet monkey, and a variety of birdlife.

Omo National Park is home to animals such as zebra, buffalo, giraffe, elephant, lion, leopard, and cheetah.

Mago National Park is a landscape of rivers, riverine forest, and wetlands. The park is home to Aari, Banna, Bongoso, Hamar, Karo, Kwegu, Male and Mursi peoples. Wildlife of note includes the Black Rhinoceros, Lion, Leopard, Hippopotamus, Cape Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Hyena, African Wild Dog, Warthog, Nile Crocodile, Zebra, and African Elephant.

Maze National Park is home to the Swayne’s hartebeest, African buffalos, Anubis baboons, Lions, Leopards, Vervet monkeys, orbis, Bohor reedbucks, waterbucks, bushbucks, Lesser kudus, Greater kudus, Cheetahs, Warthogs, servals, and Bushpigs.

Tigray

This northern region is home primarily to the Tigrayan people.

Abuna Yemata Church is an inspiring location that can only be reached by climbing barefoot up a vertical cliff, crossing rickety bridges and narrow ledges.

Axum is home to the Obelisk of Axum, and the Chapel of the Tablet which is said to have housed the Ark of the Covenant.

Kafta Sheraro National Park is home to the African elephant, lion, leopard, caracal, aardvark, greater kudu, roan antelope, red-fronted gazelle, hyena, crocodile, cheetah, red-necked ostrich, and a diversity of birdlife.

Sidama

This central region is home primarily to the Sidama people.

The area is a major centre for coffee production.

Ethiopia Film Location Permits

In most cases there are no set fees. Donations are often required for local assistance. Some regional governments will charge location fees. In many cases, our fixer will need to travel to negotiate location fees in person. National parks fees are quite high, especially if filming aerial shots. Aerial filming in Ethiopia requires the pilot have a flight permit from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority. Please contact us for location specific information.

When To Shoot?

The rainy season runs from April to September. The dry season runs from October to May. The best time to film for clear, sunny days is from January to March. For monthly weather statistics please see here.

Ethiopia is home to many colourful events and festivals that celebrate its rich diversity of cultures. Of particular interest to filmmakers and photographers include:

• Ledet (Genna) Festival in January.
• Timkat Feast in January.
• Meskal Festival in September.
• Irecha in September.
• Great Ethiopian Run in November.
• Kullubi in December.

Ethiopia is a majority Christian country that also has a large Muslim community.

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Ethiopia.

Unique Local Stories

Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.

If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.

If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.

Costs & Tax Incentives

Costs. Locations, local talent and support crew are inexpensive but since little infrastructure exists key crew and equipment may need to be brought in from abroad. Our Ethiopian fixer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.

Tax Incentives. At present there are no tax incentives for foreign commercials or films shooting in Ethiopia.

Film Crew & Talent

Crews. Ethiopia has a very small pool of local pool of directors, videographers and stills photographers. Key crew is best brought in from abroad. Kenya is the closest regional centre for a deeper pool of crew. 

Contact us if you are looking for a director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew for your shoot in Ethiopia.

Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.

Afar, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya are the official languages. The country has over 140 different dialects.

Ethiopia has over 80 different ethnic groups. The largest ethnic groups are the Oromo, and Amhara. Ethnic minorities of note include the Tigrayans, Sidama, Welayta, Gurage, Somali, Hadiya, and Afar people. Of particular interest to filmmakers and photographers are the colourful Hamar and Mursi people. All other talent is best cast abroad.

Ethiopia Film Equipment

Equipment. Some basic camera, grip and lighting equipment is available locally. Kenya is the closest place for more equipment. Bringing in gear is an easy and inexpensive process. Our Ethiopian fixer will need a full gear list with serial numbers. This will be submitted at the same time as the Foreign Media Accreditation application. Their Ethiopian customs broker will process all in preparation for your arrival and meet you at the airport to ensure all runs smoothly.

Communications. Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.

Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.

For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.

Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production

Art department and set construction is very basic beyond traditional Ethiopian looks.

Studios. None exist at present.

Post Production. Best to post abroad.

Visas & Work Permits

Visiting crews need to apply for Foreign Media Accreditation at their closest Ethiopian embassy. The application must include the project synopsis, locations list, crew details, local fixer details, equipment list, budget, and shoot duration information. After submitting your application you will be required to go to the Ethiopian embassy for a briefing with the Press Office. The Press office then sends your application on your behalf. Once the Foreign Media Accreditation is approved in Ethiopia, the embassy will then contact you to come an apply for a business visa. You will need to bring your passport, copy of passport, a complete business visa application form, visa fee payment, and the original documents used for your Foreign Media Accreditation. Once your business visa is issued, you’re all set to travel.

Tourist visas (valid for up to three months) can be issued on arrival only at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Transport & Accommodation

Transportation Infrastructure. Major roads are paved. Rural roads are slower going especially in the south of the country during the rainy season. Road travel by night is not recommended. Our Ethiopian fixer organises safe and reliable 4WD transport. Several international airlines service flights to Ethiopia.

Accommodation. Film friendly hotels in Addis Ababa:

Addis Regency Hotel
Sheraton Addis

Please contact us for corporate rates.

For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.

Final Notes

Safety. See here for up to date travel advice.

Down Time. Jebena Buna coffee ceremony. Khat chewing is also popular. Local cuisine of note includes injera, shiro, wot, tibs, firfir, kitfo, and spris.

Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Ethiopia, please see below:

Hire Ethiopia Production Support & Shooting Crew

If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Ethiopia, please contact us.

If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Ethiopia, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.

We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.