The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of Rwanda’s most important historical and memorial sites. For documentary filmmakers, journalists, researchers and production companies, the memorial can provide an important setting for telling stories about Rwanda’s history and the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
However, filming at a genocide memorial requires considerably more care than filming at an ordinary tourist or public location. Productions should obtain the appropriate permissions in advance, respect the memorial’s rules and work sensitively around survivors, visitors and memorial spaces.
If you are planning a production at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a local film fixer can help coordinate permissions, production logistics and communication with the relevant authorities.
Can I film at the Kigali Genocide Memorial?
Filming may be possible at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, but permission should be obtained before bringing professional filming equipment onto the site.
Because the memorial is a place of remembrance and mourning, productions should clearly explain the purpose of the shoot, the intended use of the footage and the areas they wish to film.
For documentaries, news productions, television programmes, commercial projects and other professional shoots, requirements may differ depending on the nature and scale of the production.
We recommend contacting the relevant authorities and the memorial in advance rather than arriving with a crew and assuming filming will be permitted.
How do I get permission to film at the memorial?
Your production should begin the permission process well before the planned filming date.
A production request will generally need to explain:
- The name of the production company or organisation
- The country where the production is based
- The purpose and subject of the film
- Proposed filming dates
- Number of crew members
- Equipment that will be used
- Areas or subjects you would like to film
- How and where the finished material will be used
- Whether the production is commercial, editorial, documentary or for another purpose
Depending on the production, additional filming permits, accreditation or approvals may also be required.
A Rwanda film fixer can help prepare the production information, communicate with the relevant offices and coordinate the paperwork before the crew arrives in Rwanda.
Are there restrictions on what can be filmed?
Yes. Filming at the Kigali Genocide Memorial is subject to the sensitivities of the site.
Some exhibits, memorial areas, archival materials or other spaces may have restrictions on photography or filming. A production may also be required to follow instructions from memorial staff while working on site.
Filmmakers should never assume that because an area is accessible to visitors it is automatically available for professional filming.
The final filming plan should therefore be discussed with the relevant officials before the shoot.
Can I film interviews with survivors or memorial staff?
Interviews require particular sensitivity.
If your documentary involves survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the interview process should be handled respectfully and with informed consent. Participants should understand the purpose of the interview, how their material will be used and where the finished production may be distributed.
Filmmakers should avoid pressuring anyone to participate, particularly when discussing traumatic personal experiences.
For productions involving survivor interviews, it can be helpful to work with local production professionals who understand the cultural and historical context.
Can I use a drone at the Kigali Genocide Memorial?
Drone filming in Rwanda is subject to aviation and security requirements, and professional productions should obtain the necessary approvals before operating a drone.
Permission to bring a drone into Rwanda and permission to fly it are not necessarily the same thing. Productions may need to address import or temporary-entry requirements as well as aviation, security and location-specific restrictions.
The memorial itself may also impose additional restrictions on drone operations.
Do not plan to fly a drone over or around the memorial simply because you have permission to film from the ground. Confirm the proposed aerial shots and operating area with the relevant authorities beforehand.
For drone productions, a Rwanda fixer can assist with coordinating the required paperwork and local arrangements.
What are the filming hours?
Filming should be planned around the memorial’s operating hours and any additional conditions attached to your filming approval.
Professional productions should not assume that normal visitor opening hours automatically constitute permission to film.
If filming outside normal visitor hours is required, this should be specifically requested and approved in advance.
A production may also be required to have a designated memorial representative or official present while filming.
Because opening hours and filming arrangements can change, confirm the schedule directly with the memorial before your shoot.
Are there filming fees?
There may be costs associated with professional filming at the memorial, in addition to other production-related permits and services required in Rwanda.
The final cost can depend on factors such as:
- Type of production
- Number of crew members
- Filming duration
- Equipment
- Areas requested
- Commercial or editorial use
- Additional access or location requirements
It is important to establish the applicable fees and approvals before the production arrives in Rwanda.
Your Rwanda fixer can help identify the permissions required and include the relevant costs in the production budget.
Can I film commercial productions at the memorial?
Commercial productions may face additional requirements because of the nature of the location.
If the footage will be used for advertising, branded content, commercial television, corporate productions or other commercial purposes, this should be stated clearly in the initial request.
Do not describe a commercial production as a documentary or editorial shoot simply to obtain easier access. Providing accurate production information helps ensure that the correct permissions are obtained from the beginning.
How should filmmakers approach the memorial respectfully?
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is first and foremost a place of remembrance, not simply a filming location.
A professional production should:
- Follow instructions from memorial staff
- Avoid disrupting visitors and people paying their respects
- Treat exhibits and memorial spaces with care
- Obtain consent before filming identifiable individuals
- Handle survivor interviews sensitively
- Avoid sensationalising traumatic events
- Give participants clear information about the production
- Follow restrictions on photography and filming
- Keep the crew as unobtrusive as possible
Understanding the historical significance of the memorial is an important part of preparing for the shoot.
What happens if I film without permission?
Filming without the required authorization can create serious problems for a production.
Depending on the circumstances, unauthorized filming may result in the crew being stopped, equipment or footage being affected, additional costs, or other legal and administrative consequences.
The safest approach is to secure the required approvals before the crew travels to the location.
This is particularly important for international productions that have fixed shooting schedules, expensive equipment and overseas distribution requirements.
Planning a production at the Kigali Genocide Memorial?
Our team can assist international film and television productions planning to work in Rwanda.
We can help with filming permits, location coordination, local crew, equipment, transport, production logistics and communication with relevant authorities.
If the Kigali Genocide Memorial is part of your shooting schedule, contact Rwanda Fixer before travelling so that the required permissions and production arrangements can be assessed in advance.
Planning to film in Rwanda? Contact our production team to discuss your shoot.