It is already over a year and we still have Covid-19 in our lives. I have been receiving many questions regarding the situation in Peru for filming. So here my main advices if you have planned your shoot for 2021.
- Peru had the strongest lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic having stopped the country for almost 6 months in 2020. It was not until November 2020 that the international airport opened again but having restrictions that changed many times. The last update was on the 15th March 2021 and made possible that we can fly from and to Europe, the United States and some countries in South America, there is no need for quarantine anymore but a PCR test negative once you arrive.
- The restrictions change constantly depending on how the virus evolves in the country. So nothing is certain at this moment. To date 3 April 2021, The following link has the latest regulations in the different provinces in Peru. Restrictions for pandemic in Peru
- The use of masks is mandatory in the whole country once you are out of home. However in rural communities they consider their home the whole small village which for projects can be better but be aware that if your character is out of there, you will see people wearing masks all over around.
- In general terms Peru is not in lockdown anymore. However, it has limitations on the different industries. Filming of documentaries even when the country is put in lockdown is allowed but carrying an official permit as a journalist which only can be given to Peruvian residents or internationals that work for a Peruvian Registered company or person.
- The government can apply lockdowns anytime when they believe it is needed like for Easter week for example, flights got canceled same as many other services in the whole country.
- Something really important to consider. This year, we have new presidential elections on the 11th April 2021 and 6th June which makes the whole country in an uncertain instability so we don´t know exactly what type of restrictions we will have after that. The new president will start on the 28th July 2021.
- What happens if you get Covid-19 here? The hospital and clinis services are collapsed. I am not joking with this. People knows that is better stay at home and survive somehow than die in the hospital so I would say, only consider to come if you are vaccinated already.
- The truth is, you can not plan your shoot to Peru with so much time in advance anymore because the rules can change from one day to another. My honest advice is that you should learn to work with Peruvian filmmakers and the team here, and deal with the planning remotely. I have been doing this for the biggest channels in Europe, UK and America since pandemic started last year and it has worked amazing for both sides. This has allowed that the companies abroad focus more on the steps after the filming instead and be successful as a whole team together. Check the reviews of my clients Here
- I don´t mean that this filmmaker is necessarily me but in case you are wondering. I normally work myself with a small team around me. I carry a camera that records at 4K, 4:2:2, 10 bit, full frame, the most professional G-Master Sony lenses and sennheiser audio equipment. However if you need some other type of camera or team, I can have it for you too. I also have a drone and the official permit to fly it anywhere in Peru and of course my journalist permit as well.
- I think this is a new opportunity to re-create the filming industry around the world and start collaborating more between countries.
- You also can check my article What you need to know before filming in Peru?
I hope this information is useful for you and please any question, let me know.
All the very best!
Lizeth
Humana Films - Documentary Filmmaker & Fixer in Peru 