Tunisia 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 Tunisia? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.

Filming in Tunisia

For an introduction to shooting in Tunisia 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.

Tunisia Film Locations

Tunisia is a North African country located on the Mediterranean Sea. It is best known for its beautiful beaches, desert dunes, otherworldly arid mountain landscapes, oasis, souks, Roman ruins, pastel-washed houses, and Islamic architecture. Coastal areas are more verdant and have forests, whereas heading inland the landscape becomes more desert and oasis.

Despite its relatively small size, Tunisia offers a great diversity of locations. As well as unique film locations, Tunisia also offers locations that double well for other Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern looks.

Agricultural film locations, located mainly in the Mediterranean region, include farms that produce citrus fruits, olive oil, grapes, tomatoes, melons, figs, and dates. Vineyards are located in the northeast of the country. Fishing boats are also available for filming. Tunisia mines oil and natural gas, phosphate, zinc, lead, barite, and iron. Energy locations include oil and gas fired power plants.

Tunisia has hosted a long list of productions including Star Wars: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), Dachra (2018), The English Patient (1996), Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979), and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977). French and Italian productions have been coming to film in Tunisia since the 1970’s.

Film locations can be divided into the following regions:

Northern Tunisia

This region includes the governorates of Ariana, Ben Arous, Bizerte, Manouba, Nabeul, Tunis, Zaghouan, Béja, Jendouba, Kef, and Siliana.

Tunis is the country’s sprawling capital and largest city. It is the main production service centre where crew and equipment are based. The Tunis Medina is the centre of city life with its chaotic souks and winding alleys. Other locations of note include the Al-Zaytuna Mosque, Mosque of Sidi Mahrez, Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul, Bab El Bhar, Bardo National Museum, Dar Hussein Palace, Tunis City Hall, Municipal Theatre, Sadiki College, National Library of Tunisia, Monument to Mohamed Bouazizi, Belvedere Park, abandoned brutalist Hotel du Lac, Stade Olympique Hamadi Agrebi, Stade El Menzah, Fort Santiago of Chikly, Tunis Port, and Tunis–Carthage International Airport.

Carthage was the capital of the ancient Carthaginian civilisation. Ancient ruins of note include the Baths of Antoninus, Amphitheatre of Carthage, Byrsa Hill, Basilica of Saint-Cyprien, and the Tophet of Carthage which was an ancient burial ground believed to have been used for ritual sacrifice of children and animals. Other Carthage film locations include the Acropolium of Carthage Roman Catholic Church, Malik-ibn Anas Mosque, Presidential Palace, Carthage National Museum, National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies Museum, and the World War II North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) filmed in Carthage.

Sidi Bou Saïd is a picturesque clifftop village known for its cobbled streets and blue-and-white houses.

Dougga is a Roman archaeological site known for its Theatre, Roads, Mosque, Marketplace, Square of the Rose of the Winds, The Capitol, Forum, The Arch of Alexander Septimius, The Temple of Caelaestis, Dar Lacheb, Antonian Baths, Mausoleum of Ateban, and Septimius Severus’s Arch.

Bulla Regia is another important Roman archaeological site.

Hammamet is known for its beautiful beaches.

Lighthouses of note include Cap Bon Lighthouse, Iles Cani Lighthouse, and Jetée Est Lighthouse.

Ichkeul National Park is known for Lake Ichkeul which hosts thousands of migratory birds.

El Feidja National Park is a landscape of forests, mountains, natural springs and lakes. Wildlife includes barbary stags, African golden wolves, and barbary boars.

Central Tunisia

This region includes the governorates of Mahdia, Monastir, Sfax, Sousse, Kairouan, Kasserine, and Sidi Bouzid.

The Amphitheatre of El Jem is one of North Africa’s most impressive Roman ruins.

Kairouan is one of the holiest cities in Islam and an important pilgrimage site. The city’s medina is a cinematic warren of minarets, domes, and back alleys. Film locations include Great Mosque of Kairouan, Lalla Rihana Gate and Cemetery, Zaouia of Sidi Sahabi, Zaouia of Sidi Abed el Ghariani, Djemaa Tleta Bibane, Zaouia Sidi Amor Abbada, Aghlabid Basins, Dar Hassine Allani, La Kasbah Hotel, and Souk of Kairouan.

Sousse is a coastal city known for its medina’s whitewashed houses and back alleys. Other film locations include Sousse Ribat, Sousse Archaeological Museum, Sousse Great Mosque, Zaouia Zakkak, Catacombs, Sousse Sunday Market, Port El Kantaoui, and Stade Olympique de Sousse. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) filmed in Sousse.

Monastir is a coastal city. It is known for the Monastir Ribat, an impressive Islamic coastal fortification, as well as Great Mosque of Monastir, and Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) filmed in Monastir.

Sfax is Tunisia’s second largest city. Film locations include the Sfax Medina, Great Mosque, Dar Jellouli Museum, and Archaeological Museum.

The Kerkennah Islands are known for their beaches and scuba diving.

Sbeitla is a Roman archaeological ruin locations including a Triumphal Arch, Public Baths, Forum, Gate of Antoninus, as well as several temples.

Lighthouses of note include Ras Thyna Lighthouse, Ile Kuriat Lighthouse, Mahdia Lighthouse.

• Chambi National Park is home to Tunisia’s highest peak, Jebel ech Chambi.

Southern Tunisia

This region includes the governorates of Gabès, Medenine, Tataouine, Gafsa, Kebili, and Tozeur.

Tozeur is a city known for its beautiful date-palm oasis, and Tozeur Medina. Tozeur is the gateway to Sahara Desert locations.

Other nearby oases of note include Tamerza, Chebika, and Midès.

Chott el Djerid is a sprawling salt pan known for its crystallised moonscape looks. The location featured as Tatooine in Star Wars: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977).

The Troglodyte homes of Matmata featured in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977).

Ong Jemel played Mos Espa and Tatooine in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), and The English Patient (1996).

Sidi Bouhlel Canyon was filmed for The English Patient (1996), Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) where it featured as the Jundland Wastes.

The Grand Erg Oriental is a large field of shifting sand dunes in the Sahara Desert.

Ksar Ouled Soltane is a fortified granary located in the Tataouine district. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) filmed Ksar Ouled Soltane.

Djerba Island is known for its whitewashed houses, Houmt Souk Old Town, Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum, Bordj el Kebir, La Ghriba Synagogue, Plage Sidi Maharès, and Plage de la Séguia.

Lighthouses of note include Ras Taguerness Lighthouse, and Sousse Lighthouse.

Lezard Rouge Train runs through the spectacular Selja Gorges from Metlaoui to Redeyef.

Jebil National Park is located in the Sahara Desert. Wildlife includes fennec foxes, horned vipers, cobras, jackals, barbary sheep, and bustards.

Bou-Hedma National Park is home to wildlife such as scimitar oryxes, addaxes, ostriches, and dama gazelles.

Tunisia Film Location Permits

Tunisia is open for business and local authorities are very supportive of film projects. A general film permit is required to cover all filming on public property. This takes around 3 days to permit. For larger projects looking to shut streets or take exclusive control of public space, individual permits and longer lead time is required for permitting. Tunisian’s like to do business in person so often our Tunisian fixer / producer will need to travel to the location to negotiate permission to film. Please contact us for location specific information.

When To Shoot?

Northern Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, rainy winters. The central area is semi-arid and the south has a desert climate. The mild spring (March to June) and fall (September to October) are the best seasons to film for weather. For monthly weather statistics please see here.

Events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include the following:

• Tunisian Medina Festival takes place in Tunis during Ramadan.
• Festival of the Purebred Arabian Horse of Maknassy in June.
• Carnival of Awussu takes place in Sousse in July.
• International Festival of Carthage in July / August.
• Hammamet International Festival in July / August.
• Carthage Film Festival in October / November.
• Tozeur Oasis Festival in November.
• National Tree Festival in November.
• The International Festival of the Sahara celebrates Tunisia’s nomadic cultures takes place in Douz in December.

Tunisia is a predominately Muslim country. Ramadan is widely observed with some services limited or closed during this period.

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

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. On average Tunisia is a cost competitive place to shoot. The favorable exchange rate offers considerable savings. The need to bring in some equipment, key crew and talent can add to costs. Depending on the project, Tunisia is more or less a similar price point to Morocco. Our Tunisian service producer / 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 Tunisia. The VAT of 18% is refundable on all expenses for feature films. The negative is considered an export, so there are no charges to be paid through customs.

Film Crew & Talent

Crews. Tunisia has a small pool of directors, videographers and stills photographers. Tunisian crews have been servicing foreign productions since the 1970’s. They are skilled and experienced and most speak fluent French and English. Note, Tunisians like to do business in person so location departments tend to be larger than usual. As long as the best key crew are available it is usually not necessary to bring in key crew from abroad. Depending on the project, you might want to bring in a DoP, 1st AD and specialist hair / makeup crew. Tunisia’s close proximity to major European production centres allows easy access to those crews should you ever need to look further.

Contact us if you are looking for a Tunis based 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 Tunisia. 

Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.

Arabic is the main language. Berber and French are also spoken.

Tunisia offers mainly Arab – Berber looking talent. There is also an expat community offering some Caucasian and African looks although the depth is only there for background roles. All other talent needs to be brought in from abroad.

Tunisia Film Equipment

Equipment. No official locally based supplier. Local production companies have their own equipment. Some standard camera, grip and lighting equipment is available locally. All other specialized equipment and operators need to be brought in from abroad. For temporary import clearance, Tunisia is an ATA carnet country.

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 impressive in Tunisia. Local crews have built sets for films such as The English Patient (1996), and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Studios and backlots. Mostly small studios. Tunisia has two impressive studio backlots – Ancient Rome (Ext & Int) and 1950’s Sicily (Ext, streets, facades, places).  

Post Production. Best to post abroad. Processing is available locally. LTC Gammarth, a subsidiary of LTC France, is the only local lab.

Visas & Work Permits

Crews travelling on Western passports can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Work permits are not required to shoot in Tunisia.

Transport & Accommodation

Transportation Infrastructure. Tunisia has an extensive road network. Travel after dark outside of Tunis is best avoided. Desert travel is slower going and subject to sandstorms. Our local fixer will organise safe and reliable 4WD transportation for off-road travel. Several international airlines service regular flights to Tunis.

Accommodation. Recommended film friendly hotels in Tunis include:

Golden Tulip
Sheraton
Hotel le Consul
Les Berges du Lac

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. Sample local cuisine such as tajine, couscous, mechouia salad, mlawi, brik, fricassé, kafetji, lablabi, and assidat zgougou.

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 Tunisia, please see below:

Hire Tunisia Production Support & Shooting Crew

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

If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Tunisia, 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.