Cape Town - In a positive outcome for the South African film industry, an agreement between the department of home affairs and industry bodies - the Commercial Producers Association (CPA), the South African Association of Stills Producers (Saasp) and the National Association of Model Agencies (Nama) was reached this week.
The new development will go a long way in making it easier and more accessible for international clients wanting to bring their business to South Africa.
The development will make the requirements considerably simpler and gives some relief to the difficult situation faced by the film sector in recent times.
Monica Rorvik, head of film promotion at Wesgro, the Western Cape’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, said the agreement takes into consideration two types of travelers to South Africa.
“The oversight group, which consists of client, agency and production company personnel and the specialist group which comprises of actors, models, directors, technicians and the art department are the two groups which are impacted by recent developments,” said Rorvik.
According to the agreement, the oversight group from visa exempt countries will now be able to travel to South Africa without having to pre-apply at a South African embassy.
They will need to present the relevant form, a copy of their travel itinerary and a letter from the CPA, Saasp or Nama to the immigration officials at the airport, who will then endorse their passports with the relevant authorisation.
The specialist group will still need to apply in advance to the South African embassy, but the requirements have been streamlined to include the relevant form, travel itinerary and a letter from the CPA, Saasp or Nama.
“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,” said Rorvik.