The film industry has negotiated a special outcome with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that its recent new Immigration Regulations do not affect the lucrative local film industry.
The agreement reached with the Department of Home Affairs by the Commercial Producers Association, the South African Association of Stills Producers, and the National Association of Model Agencies will make it easier for international film clients to bring business to our country.
Wesgro’s Head of Film Promotion Monika Rorvik commented that the agreement caters for two types of film travelers: ‘the Oversight group which consists of client, agency and production company personnel and the Specialist group which comprises of actors, models, directors, DP’s, technicians and art department are the two groups which are impacted by recent developments’. The Oversight group from visa exempt countries can now travel to South Africa without having to pre-apply at a South African Embassy. On arrival, they need to present a form (DHA 84), a copy of their travel itinerary, and a letter from one of the three film bodies to the immigration officials at the airport, for endorsement of their passports with a S11 (1)(a) authorization. The Specialist group will still need to apply in advance to the South African Embassy, but the requirements have been streamlined to include the DHA 84 form, a travel itinerary, and a letter from one of the three film bodies.
‘These new developments are welcomed by all role players in the industry and we are delighted with the outcome reached with the Department of Home Affairs. The new agreement is a positive for us and goes a long way in facilitating the promotion and growth of the Film Industry in The Western Cape and South Africa‘, concluded Rorvik.
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Tel (021) 433-2100, Twitter:@WhaleCottage Facebook: click here
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