Filming the Batwa 

Filming the Batwa people of Uganda can be done with proper arrangements, permits and media accreditation. The batwa are an indigenous group of pygmy people that can be found in south western Uganda around Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks. The batwa were originally inhabitants of the Bwindi impenetrable forest. They were known as the keepers of the forest but had to move and settle on the outskirts of the forest when it was turned into a national park. The Batwa  still keep their way of lifestyle and indigenous culture. When filming the Batwa, they will showcase their former way of life through songs and dances that are presented to the visitors. They also tell stories of how they survived in the forest and what they did and still do in their day to day life. Africa fixers assists film crews that are interested in filming the Batwa people of Uganda. We handle everything from getting the necessary permits to ensuring that all logistics are catered for and your shoot is successful. 

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Requirements to film the Batwa

Filming Permit. 

Filming the batwa people in Uganda  will require you to get filming permissions from the respective Batwa local leaders. In addition to this, you will also be required to get permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority as the Batwa activities are within the confines of Bwindi and Mgahinga national park.   

In order to get the Filming Permit, You have to write a letter requesting to film the Batwa and fill out an application form which is accompanied by a copy of the screenplay, a story synopsis, and a shooting schedule. Our local Uganda fixer will then take your application to the respective authorities and follow up until the permission is granted.

Since the Batwa are under the UWA tarrif, you are required to pay a community experience fee of 40 USD per person per day. In addition to that , you are supposed to pay a 40% fee of the activities fee to UWA and 50 percent if you are using a drone.  Contact our local fixer to assist you with getting permits for filming the Batwa in Uganda. 

Media Accreditation in Uganda

For you to film in Uganda, you will need media accreditation. This is what distinguishes you as a journalist/media person/crew member. According to the law, all foreign film crew members apart of a shoot are required to get this accreditation. Media accreditations are issued by the Media Council of Uganda. You are advised to work with a local fixer to provide you with guidance and ensure that the application process goes smoothly and your accreditation is gotten in time. For more information, please contact us

Equipment clearance.

Equipment clearance in Uganda is done through bonded agents as Uganda is not apart of the carnet system.  A comprehensive list of equipment and value needs to be submitted to URA through a bonded clearing agent  for the issuance of a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).  Once that is done, A fee equivalent to 10% percentage of the value of the equipment is payable. This fee is non-refundable but will guarantee you safe entry and exit with your equipment. As local fixers in Uganda, we work with trustworthy bonded agents to ensure a smooth clearance for our clients. 

What to consider when filming the Batwa in Uganda.

Ethical Considerations. 

When filming the Batwa in Uganda, it is important to be ethical and respectful in the process. it is important to have consent from the locals when filming and that is why permits from their local leaders are necessary. When filming the Batwa it is important not to use foul language and address them with respective and not demean them because of their lifestyle. 

Safety and Well being

The Batwa are welcoming people and it is safe to film them however, the type of filming done should also be safe for them and should cater to the well being of all the different people involved during the shoot. Ensure that filming does not expose the batwa to any harm in any form. 

Best time to film the Batwa. 

The Batwa can be filmed in all seasons.  The most recommended time would be the dry months of June to August and December to February. The Batwa community experiences are always done in the afternoon but if you want to film the Batwa all day, that is also possible. 

Work With a local fixer 

Africa Fixers is a local fixer company in Uganda East Africa. We assist filming companies and production agencies in countries listed in several African countries. Over the years, we have worked with various production companies on several projects, making us very experienced in this industry. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies in Uganda to make sure that accreditation and permits for filming in Uganda are processed in the shortest time possible. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Uganda.

Our fixer services include 

  • Filming permit application
  • Media Accreditation 
  • Location Scouting
  • Equipment clearance
  • Transportation
  • security 
  • Meals and accommodation
  • Local crew hire
  • Equipment hire