Filming in Mali

Fixer in Mali

Whether you’re looking to film in the vibrant cities, rich savannah, or against the mesmerizing vista of the Sahara Desert, our stunning West African country has it all. However, before filming in Mali can start, you’ll need to ensure that you have the necessary permits in place. This means having your location access secured, and all other practicalities addressed to ensure everything goes smoothly. As your fixer in Mali, we can manage all of this for you. We can guide you through key political and cultural aspects.

Visa for Mali

For filming in Mali, all Western international production teams are required to obtain visas. Applications must be made at the embassy or consulate in your own country. We should warn you that bureaucracy can be slow so teams should initiate visa applications as early as possible. We can help in gathering any relevant documents. This includes the verification that we’re your partner in Mali—that may be a necessary part of your application.

Film Permits in Mali

For large-scale productions in Mali, you will need the requisite film permits. In general, you may have to apply to different government offices or private concerns to obtain permission to film there. A fee will also be necessary. However, as your fixer in Mali, we know how to manage this. We’ll explore what permits are needed while location scouting on your behalf. We’ll also manage applications, ensuring that the process for each happens quickly and well before production starts.

Special equipment renting info

As your film fixer, we’ll work closely with you to ensure you have all the film equipment that you need for your shoot. We have connections with the main equipment rental companies here in Mali and can also export gear from neighboring countries. By getting your equipment list early, we can see if it’s possible to organize a full filming kit here in West Africa, or whether you’ll need to bring certain high-end or specialist equipment with you.

Cultural facts

Mali is a conservative, predominantly Muslim country, so dressing modestly, behaving politely, and respecting local religious and other traditions is essential. Getting film permits in Mali is something that we can organize as your film fixer, but be aware that if you want to shoot in mosques or other religious buildings, you may not be allowed. Similarly, as Mali is in the midst of an ongoing conflict, filming government or military sites and buildings may not be possible—certainly without the required permits.

Weather when filming in Mali

A large part of Mali is made up of the Sahara Desert so temperatures around the year are generally high. That said, between June and September, there is a rainy season, which is typically deemed the Malian winter. If filming at this time, make sure you have rain protection for cameras, lenses, and all other filming equipment. If filming in Mali between October to February, you should also be aware that you may end up shooting during the dry Sahara wind known as the harmattan.

Tax rebate in Mali

Unfortunately, there are no tax incentives for foreignproductions taking place in Mali. However, the country is a very affordable destination, which will certainly help budgets for Western filmmakers and production companies. As your fixer in Mali, we can guide you in making inexpensive choices on travel, accommodation, and film equipment rentals without compromising on quality. Thanks to our extensive contacts too, we can make sure that you get the best deals and discounts on all.

Filming in Mali

Working with a fixer in Mali like us is an absolute must. We can help you iron out all the practical issues that can appear perplexing to foreign brands and media professionals. We’ll guide you with visa applications, securing film permits and location access. We’ll also help you navigate any minefields you may come up against relating to the country’s conservative culture and political sensitivities. We’re also here to manage all your logistical aspects regarding filming in Mali, from hiring filming equipment to ensuring you get the best deals.

If you need to film in Mali, then you need an experienced fixer to make sure that filming happens without problems, postponements, or delays. So get in touch, and let us be your team on the ground.

Get in touch

hello@fixermali.com