A practical guide for foreign productions.

Who is BFrame Studios, and what do you do in Rwanda?

BFrame Studios is my film, documentary and photography practice, based in Kigali. I direct and shoot, I also light and run sets, and I take on projects in Rwanda and elsewhere in East Africa. Most of my work is documentary and film, with photography, including weddings and portraits, alongside it.

Can you act as a fixer, scout locations and help with permits?

Yes, I can help with all three. I scout and recommend locations for your story, arrange access, and guide you through the permit paperwork so nothing is missed before you land.

I am not a government office, so I can't promise a permit will be approved. What I can do is prepare the application properly and plan the shoot around the real timeline.

Does a foreign crew need a filming permit in Rwanda?

Yes. Shooting documentaries and fiction films in public places needs a photography and video shooting permit. According to the IremboGov service page, applications go through the Ministry of Youth (MINIYOUTH) and processing takes about four days.

The published fees for foreign applicants are 30,000 RWF for 15 days, 50,000 RWF for one month, 100,000 RWF for three months and 200,000 RWF for twelve months. Please confirm the current fee on IremboGov before you apply, because these figures can change.

Do I also need press accreditation?

It depends on what you are making. Industry guidance from the UK producers' body Pact says each crew member may need press and media accreditation, and that processing can take at least three weeks. If your project is journalism or broadcast, ask me early so we can check what applies.

Can I fly a drone in Rwanda?

Drone filming needs its own permit, applied for in advance. Local authorities can also ask for drone and special equipment authorization on site, even when you hold a shooting permit. Please don't plan drone shots until the permit is confirmed.

Where can't we film?

Pact guidance says military sites, government buildings, airports and public monuments can't be filmed without authorization, and penalties can include fines, arrest and confiscation of equipment. I plan shot lists around these places from the start.

Can I bring my own equipment, and what is available locally?

Many foreign teams bring their own gear. Pact notes that Rwanda is not an ATA carnet country and that camera, grip and lighting equipment is limited locally, with Nairobi the nearest source of standard equipment. Tell me what you plan to shoot and I'll advise what to bring and what can be sourced nearby.

How much does it cost to film in Rwanda with you?

Pricing is on request and depends on the project: what you are making, where, for how many days, the crew size and the kit. Send me a short brief by email and I'll reply with a quote. Local crew and locations are generally affordable in Rwanda, while imported equipment is not.

How long should we plan before the shoot?

Allow at least four weeks if this is your first production in Rwanda. That is my own advice, not an official rule. The shooting permit takes about four days to process, but accreditation and drone permits can take longer, and good locations need time to scout and confirm.

When is the best time to film in Rwanda?

The dry season, June to September, is the easiest for travel and outdoor work. The wet seasons run March to May and October to December. Rain doesn't stop a shoot that is planned for it, and it can look beautiful on camera.

What languages do you work in?

I work in English and French. For interviews in Kinyarwanda or other languages, I'll arrange an interpreter or local crew.

Can you work outside Rwanda?

Yes. I take projects across East Africa. Tell me the country and the story and we'll work out the logistics together.

Do you also shoot weddings and portraits?

Yes. Photography, including destination weddings and portraits, is part of what I do. You can see packages and book on the home page.

How do we start?

Email me with what you want to make, where, and when. A few lines is enough. I'll reply with questions, a rough plan and a quote.