National Policy on Filming in Vanuatu

1. All film making (including video) in Vanuatu falls under the jurisdiction of the National Film and Sound Unit of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, which must be notified of any film making activity in the country. 
2. Any film making that is undertaken by foreign film makers and that involves a cultural subject (that is, any ethnographic footage or footage particularly featuring scenes from people's daily lives) requires the consent of the Vanuatu National Cultural Council, and must satisfy the following conditions: a) A formal application to film in Vanuatu must be made to the Vanuatu Cultural Centre at least 4 weeks in advance of filming. A tentative or confirmed itinerary must be presented with this application, b) A minimum authorisation fee of 50 000 vatu (travel program) or 100,000 vatu (documentary) must be provided to the Vanuatu Cultural Centre before filming can commence. This fee may be modified or waived upon request, c) Copies of all footage taken, including unedited portions (RUSH) and edited final products in broadcast-quality SP-Betacam or DVC PRO, must be deposited with the National Film Unit of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre. A financial deposit of 100 000 vatu may be required to ensure compliance with this condition, d) A representative of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre is required to accompany the film maker while shooting footage. This is primarily to ensure cultural sensitivity on the film maker's part, however the Cultural Centre representative can also assist the film maker and help generally to facilitate filming.

The Vanuatu Cultural Centre may modify or waive any of the above conditions. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in confiscation of filming equipment and footage.

Any queries or applications by foreign film makers to film in Vanuatu can be directed to: The Curator, National Film and Sound Unit, Vanuatu Cultural Centre, P.O. Box 184, Port Vila, Vanuatu. Tel (678) 22129, Fax: (678) 26590. Email: vks@vanuatu.com.vu

Want to learn more about the real Vanuatu?

A ‘must-see’ on your visit to Vanuatu, the National Museum is part of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, the role of which is to record and document the culture and cultural history of the numerous distinct cultural groups in Vanuatu. It is also a focus for cultural performances and events, both traditional and contemporary. The permanent displays of the museum contains a large section of traditional artifacts, from masks and slit gongs to mats and scale models of outrigger canoes; as well as examples of pre-historic shells, fossils and pottery, and animals and birds from every island. As well as a vibrant series of changing temporary exhibitions, there are daily screenings of video documentaries on aspects of the culture and history of Vanuatu. Experienced staff and our fantastic tour guides are on-hand to give you a personal or group tour of the Museum’s extensive collection and performances in traditional ‘kastom’ skills such as sand-drawing, dance, bamboo flute, and story-telling.
 
Historical and contemporary, it’s all on display at the National Museum

The permanent displays of the museum contains a large section of traditional artifacts, from masks and slit gongs, to mats and scale models of outrigger canoes; as well as examples of pre-historic shells, fossils and pottery, and animals and birds from every island. The collection at the Museum includes archaeological items, including artifacts used by the first people to settle these islands over 3000 years ago. We are also proud to present a wonderful and informative new display on World War II and the Condominium period; representation of the struggle for Independence; a new installation regarding ‘Ol Kenu Blong Vanuatu’ (the canoes of Vanuatu) which showcases hand-made canoes and sails made in the traditional manner; and historical and contemporary art.
 
Looking for authentic, reasonably priced handicrafts?

If you’re looking to purchase something special to remind you of your trip to Vanuatu, look no further than the Museum Shop at the National Museum! All items are sourced through our ‘Fieldworker’ network, which means they are made by traditional means and materials and come from all over the Vanuatu archipelago. Each item is hand-made and all profits go back to the Fieldworker and their village. We also have an extensive range of books, posters, CDs, DVDs, postcards, t-shirts, ceramics, carvings, paintings and drawings, bowls.

Museum Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm, Saturday 9:00am – 12:00pm. Call (678) 22129 for more details.

Ask your bus or taxi driver to take you to the National Museum (opposite the Parliament Buildings).

Entrance: 700vt per person, including welcoming talk, sand-drawing demonstration and tour with our expert Museum Tour Guides. 500vt for entrance only, no tour or demonstration.

Email  vks@vanuatu.com.vu 
Website www.vanuatuculture.org